Justice Gangopadhyay’s judicial career has been marked by his proactive approach to uncovering corruption, especially in the recruitment processes of teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal.
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In an unprecedented move that has sent ripples through the Indian judiciary and political landscape, Calcutta High Court Judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, announced his resignation, hinting at a potential foray into politics.
Talking to media, Gangopadhyay said that for the last two years, he has been dealing with “huge corruption“, especially in the education sector.
“I will resign from the post of Justice of Calcutta High Court on Tuesday,”
said Justice Gangopadhyay.
Known for his assertive rulings on education-related issues in West Bengal, Justice Gangopadhyay’s departure from the judiciary is not just a personal decision but a statement that has stirred significant political debates.
Justice Gangopadhyay, who has been at the center of various controversies, recently made headlines when he openly criticized Justice Soumen Sen for “acting for a political party in the State.” This accusation came after Justice Sen, part of a Division Bench, stayed an order by Justice Gangopadhyay which directed the West Bengal Police to hand over documents related to a case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The conflict escalated when Justice Gangopadhyay, undeterred, ordered the Advocate General to hand over the case papers to the CBI, despite not being informed of the stay order by the division bench.
The controversies surrounding Justice Gangopadhyay extend beyond his tussle with Justice Sen. He has been known for his unconventional judicial conduct, often flouting norms of judicial discipline. This includes ignoring orders from larger benches, engaging with TV channels on political matters, and even issuing directives to the Supreme Court Registry. His actions have not only challenged the status quo but have also led to the Supreme Court transferring all proceedings related to the caste certificate scam to itself, highlighting the gravity of the judicial defiance.
On the eve of his resignation, Justice Gangopadhyay expressed his disillusionment with the limitations of the judicial system in addressing the needs of the “very helpless people” in West Bengal. He stated,
“Now I should go to the larger people. Only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them.”
This statement underscores his perceived need to move beyond the judiciary to effect change, especially in combating the “huge corruption” he has encountered, particularly in the education sector.
Justice Gangopadhyay’s judicial career has been marked by his proactive approach to uncovering corruption, especially in the recruitment processes of teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal government-sponsored and -aided schools. His orders have led to significant investigations by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), uncovering irregularities and leading to the incarceration of several key figures in the education sector.
However, his resignation is not merely the culmination of a controversial career but a prelude to a new chapter where he seeks to engage directly with the political landscape to address systemic issues. He plans to submit his resignation to the President of India and has expressed his intention to clarify his future endeavors in a press conference, symbolically held in front of the statue of the legendary freedom fighter, Masterda Surya Sen.
Justice Gangopadhyay’s transition from the judiciary to potentially politics is a significant development that raises questions about the interplay between law and politics. His actions and statements reflect a deep-seated desire to address the grievances of the marginalized and to challenge the entrenched corruption within the system. As he steps down from his judicial role, his future in politics is keenly awaited, with many wondering whether his judicial activism will translate into political action.
As this story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between justice and governance, and the individual journeys that seek to bridge the gap between the two.