Did the Calcutta HC Just Issue a Contempt Rule Against a Trinamool Leader?

Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has taken significant action by issuing a contempt-of-court rule against prominent figures from the Trinamool Congress for their derogatory remarks towards a judge. This development raises questions about the intersection of politics and judiciary in India. Stay tuned as we delve into the implications of this ruling!
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court issues contempt rule against Kunal Ghosh.
- Seven individuals are implicated for failing to comply with court orders.
- The case highlights the tension between politics and the judiciary.
- Next hearing is set for June 16.
- Judicial respect is paramount in maintaining democratic integrity.
Kolkata, May 19 (NationPress) A dedicated division bench of the Calcutta High Court has issued a rule of contempt-of-court against Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh along with six other individuals. They are implicated in a case involving harassment of lawyers and making derogatory remarks towards a judge.
The three-judge bench, comprising Justice Arijit Banerjee, Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, was established specifically to address this case. They mandated the seven accused to submit their affidavits within a designated timeframe, which they failed to do.
While announcing the contempt rule, Justice Banerjee noted that on May 2, the court recognized the protest actions as a criminal offense and instructed the accused to file their affidavits within 15 days.
Despite this directive, none of the accused submitted their affidavits within the specified period, leading to the issuance of the contempt rule. When such a rule is declared, individuals are expected to appear in court on a specified date to justify why disciplinary measures should not be taken against them for ignoring the court's order.
The next hearing is set for June 16.
Kunal Ghosh expressed that while he holds the judicial system in high regard, he feels sympathy for those who pursue politically motivated cases against him.
Recently, candidates competing for teaching positions in the upper-primary segment protested in front of Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya's office. During the protests, derogatory comments were directed at Justice Basu due to some unfavorable remarks from him regarding an alleged school-job scam.
The Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, T.S. Sivagnanam, acknowledged the situation and instructed Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma to investigate and identify the protesters. Additionally, the court initiated a suo motu contempt-of-court case in this regard.