- Calcutta High Court Judge Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay plans to resign from his post, aiming to enter politics afterward.
- Speculation surrounds his potential candidacy for the BJP in West Bengal’s Tamluk parliamentary constituency.
- His decision sparks concerns about the impartiality of judges and draws reactions from political figures.
Calcutta High Court Judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, has announced his decision to resign from his post, triggering speculations about his potential entry into politics.
The judge, known for his rulings on education-related issues in West Bengal, has indicated that he will decide which political party to join after stepping down from his judicial role.
Justice Gangopadhyay, whose recent rulings stirred political debates in West Bengal, spoke about his decision to resign, stating that it was the “call of his conscience.”
He expressed a desire to serve a larger section of the population, particularly those who are helpless.
The judge, who has been dealing with education-related matters, highlighted the discovery of significant corruption in the sector and the subsequent legal actions against key figures.
He emphasized his intention to extend his efforts beyond the courtroom, addressing issues related to labor and exposing scams involving employers in provident fund and gratuity matters.
Justice Gangopadhyay believes that entering politics would provide him with the opportunity to take concrete steps in favor of those in need.
The judge’s announcement was made amidst speculation that he might be fielded by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as their candidate for the Tamluk parliamentary constituency in West Bengal.
This seat was previously held by Suvendu Adhikari and is currently occupied by his brother Dibyendu Adhikari.
Justice Gangopadhyay plans to send his resignation letter to the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and President Droupadi Murmu.
He also mentioned that he would not take up any justice-related work during this period and intends to address media queries on Tuesday at 1:30 pm in front of Masterda Surya Sen’s statue outside the high court buildings.
Notably, in 2022, Justice Gangopadhyay directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers and non-teaching staff in government schools in West Bengal.
However, he faced criticism last year for giving an interview to a news channel about a pending case related to a teachers’ recruitment scam, leading to the case’s reassignment by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
The decision of a sitting High Court judge contemplating a move into politics has sparked reactions from the opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed concerns, suggesting that judges joining political parties may indicate a lack of impartiality in delivering justice.
His party colleague, Priyanka Chaturvedi, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the absence of a cooling-off period and the perceived lack of neutrality in the judge’s decision.
As the news unfolds, questions arise about the implications of sitting judges transitioning to political roles and the potential impact on the judiciary’s impartiality.
The Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has been urged to take note of the situation and address concerns regarding the judiciary’s independence.
This unexpected development in the judicial and political landscape of West Bengal adds a new layer to the ongoing debates surrounding the intersection of law and politics in the country.
It remains to be seen how Justice Gangopadhyay’s decision will shape the region’s political dynamics in the coming days.