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Kolkata: In a startling development at the Calcutta High Court, a judge’s order to arrest lawyer Prosenjit Mukherjee on contempt charges has ignited a major controversy. The judge in question, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, had previously drawn criticism from the Supreme Court for providing interviews to TV channels regarding a case he was actively presiding over.
During Monday’s proceedings related to the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission, Justice Gangopadhyay expressed dissatisfaction with Advocate Prosenjit Mukherjee’s conduct in the courtroom. The judge promptly instructed the court’s sheriff to detain the lawyer in civil prison. Despite Mukherjee apologizing, Justice Gangopadhyay stood firm on his decision.
In a subsequent hearing before a division bench of Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharya, Mukherjee expressed fears of potential re-arrest. The bench temporarily stayed Justice Gangopadhyay’s order for a three-day imprisonment in a civil prison for the lawyer.
Justice Gangopadhyay had previously faced scrutiny from the Supreme Court for giving TV interviews on a matter he was actively handling, leading to his reprimand by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. The Supreme Court had directed the reassignment of the case to a different judge, prompting Justice Gangopadhyay to seek documents related to his removal. This move was temporarily halted by the Supreme Court.
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association has taken a strong stance, urging Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam to withdraw all judicial work from Justice Gangopadhyay. The association insists that none of its members will attend proceedings in Justice Gangopadhyay’s court until he issues an apology to Advocate Mukherjee and the bar.
The ongoing saga raises questions about judicial discipline and restraint, with the division bench emphasizing the need for maintaining the purity of the administration of justice and upholding the independence of the judiciary. The situation remains fluid as the legal community awaits further developments in this unfolding controversy.
