Did the Calcutta HC Challenge the Selection of Bengal CM’s Sister-in-Law to a Kolkata College Committee?
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Synopsis
The recent questioning by the Calcutta High Court about the appointment of Kajori Banerjee, relating to her lack of educational qualifications, raises significant concerns about governance in educational institutions. This situation demands closer scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court questions the appointment of a non-educationist.
- Interim stay issued on suspension of college Principal.
- Legal scrutiny emphasizes the importance of qualified leadership in education.
Kolkata, Sep 17 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court raised questions on Wednesday regarding the appointment of Kajori Banerjee, who is the sister-in-law of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to the working committee of the prestigious Rani Birla Girls’ College in Kolkata.
A single-judge bench led by Justice Bivas Pattanayak inquired how Kajori Banerjee, who is not an educationist and also serves as a councillor in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), could be appointed as the President of such a notable undergraduate institution.
Justice Pattanayak remarked that the law stipulates that the president of a college's management committee should be a “person associated with education.” However, in this case, the President is merely a councillor with no demonstrated ties to the field of education. “Thus, we must determine the legality of her appointment,” the judge stated.
Additionally, Justice Pattanayak issued an interim stay on a show-cause notice and a suspension order that Kajori Banerjee had previously issued against the college Principal Srabanti Bhattacharaya last month. This interim stay will remain in effect for another eight weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for six weeks from now.
The show-cause notice and suspension order were filed on August 29, prompting the Principal to contest these actions before Justice Biswajit Basu's single-judge bench.
During the proceedings, counsel for the state government requested Justice Basu to recuse himself. Despite expressing dissatisfaction with this request, Justice Basu ultimately stepped down from the case.
The matter was then referred to Justice Pattanayak’s bench, which convened for a hearing on Wednesday and subsequently ordered the interim stay on both the show-cause notice and suspension order.
Point of View
It is essential to uphold the integrity of our educational institutions. The Calcutta High Court's scrutiny of this appointment reflects a commitment to ensuring that leadership positions in education are held by those with the requisite expertise and experience. This case underscores the need for accountability in governance, aligning with the principles of transparency and trust.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Calcutta High Court to question Kajori Banerjee's appointment?
The court questioned the legality of her appointment due to her lack of educational qualifications and the requirement that college committee presidents should be associated with education.
What is the current status of the suspension order against the college Principal?
An interim stay has been placed on the suspension order, allowing the Principal to remain in her position while the case is under review.
Who is Kajori Banerjee?
Kajori Banerjee is the sister-in-law of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and a councillor in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
What were the implications of the court's ruling?
The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of educational qualifications for leadership roles in educational institutions and indicates a legal review of the appointment's validity.
