In a significant development, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court has underscored the urgent need for establishing Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) police stations in West Bengal. This statement comes in the wake of increasing allegations of corruption and non-cooperation from the state government in ongoing investigations.
Justice Gangopadhyay, while presiding over a case involving the Alipurduar Mahila Rindaan Samiti, pointed out the growing necessity for three to four dedicated CBI police stations in the state. He emphasized,
“Fresh allegations of corruption are coming up. There are allegations of non-cooperation from the state government. People are coming to the court after their complaints are not registered at police stations.”
This observation highlights the challenges faced by individuals in getting their grievances addressed at the local level.
The call for CBI police stations is rooted in the need for more efficient and autonomous investigation processes. The CBI, established under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946, primarily operates in Delhi and Union territories. However, its functioning in a state requires consent from the state government or an order from the court. This legal framework sometimes hinders the CBI’s ability to effectively carry out investigations in state matters.
Justice Gangopadhyay’s remarks came after his return to the court following a two-day absence due to a boycott by the Bar Association. He expressed frustration over the lack of progress in a corruption case involving a cooperative society in Alipurduar, questioning the CBI lawyer about the delay. The response from the CBI lawyer pointed towards non-cooperation from the state police, even in complying with the High Court’s orders.
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The proposal for CBI police stations is seen as a solution to overcome these hurdles and ensure that complaints are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. However, this suggestion has sparked controversy, with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) criticizing the judge’s statement. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh argued that common people cannot file complaints at CBI police stations and urged Justice Gangopadhyay to maintain his self-respect.
Justice Gangopadhyay had previously directed the state’s chief secretary in October to provide necessary support to the CBI, including manpower, accommodation, and transport, to facilitate investigations. This move underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served and that law enforcement agencies have the resources they need to effectively carry out their duties.
In conclusion, the call for establishing CBI police stations in West Bengal by Justice Gangopadhyay reflects a critical step towards enhancing the efficacy of the legal system in dealing with corruption and ensuring that the rule of law is upheld. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to strengthen the mechanisms for justice and accountability in the state.
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