Abhishek Banerjee has moved the Supreme Court against Calcutta High Court judge Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay for making ‘comments’ against him. The HC judge’s questions about Abhishek Banerjee’s property in front of the media have not gone down well with the TMC leaders, sources said.
In a significant legal move, Abhishek Banerjee, the All India General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has petitioned the Supreme Court of India, seeking action against Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court. This step comes in response to what Banerjee perceives as inappropriate comments made by the judge regarding his (Banerjee’s) properties, which were publicly questioned by Justice Gangopadhyay.
The situation unfolded in Kolkata, West Bengal, where Justice Gangopadhyay’s alleged verbal remarks outside the courtroom have sparked controversy. Banerjee, also a Member of Parliament, has expressed his discontent over the judge’s approach to discussing pending legal matters in public forums. Specifically, the judge’s inquiry about the source of Banerjee’s wealth, posed in front of media representatives, has been a central point of contention.
Justice Gangopadhyay went as far as to question whether Abhishek Banerjee would disclose details of his property holdings or post them on social media. This public scrutiny of Banerjee’s assets by a sitting High Court judge is seen as unconventional and has raised eyebrows in political and legal circles.
In his appeal to the Supreme Court, Abhishek Banerjee has not only sought action against Justice Gangopadhyay but also proposed the formation of a specific bench dedicated to hearing recruitment-related cases, if deemed necessary. This move is seen as a strategic step to ensure that similar situations are handled more judiciously in the future.
This incident is not Abhishek Banerjee first encounter with the Supreme Court concerning issues with a judge. The political implications of this petition are significant, and TMC supporters, along with the broader political community, are keenly awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on this matter.
The case underscores the ongoing tension between political figures and the judiciary in India, highlighting the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability. As the Supreme Court deliberates on this petition, the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the relationship between India’s political class and its judiciary.
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