High Court Judge Resigns : In an unprecedented move that has stirred the political and judicial landscapes of West Bengal, Calcutta High Court Judge Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay announced his resignation on Tuesday, March 4, hinting at a potential foray into the political arena. Known for his decisive rulings on various education-related issues, Justice Gangopadhyay’s departure marks a significant moment in the state’s judicial history.
High Court Judge Resigns : Abhijit Gangopadhyay – Signals Entry into Politics
A Judicial Career Marked by Bold Decisions
Justice Gangopadhyay, who has been at the forefront of tackling “huge corruption” in the education sector for the last two years, expressed his disillusionment with the limitations of his judicial capacity to address the systemic issues plaguing the state. His tenure was notable for issuing swift directives, sometimes mandating compliance within hours, which garnered appreciation from diverse segments of society, particularly aspiring candidates for school jobs.
He played a pivotal role in instructing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to probe allegations of irregularities in the recruitment processes of teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal government-sponsored and -aided schools. Despite his commendable efforts to cleanse the system, his candid remarks occasionally sparked dissatisfaction among the leaders of the ruling party in the state.
The Catalyst for Resignation
Justice Gangopadhyay’s decision to resign was influenced by his deep-seated desire to effect more substantial societal change, a goal he believes is unattainable from the bench. “For the last two or more years, I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed,” he said, highlighting the grave corruption scandals that have come to light under his watch. He also pointed out the “large employer scams” in West Bengal, particularly in provident fund gratuity, underscoring the pervasive nature of the corruption.
From the Bench to the Political Arena
Expressing his future intentions, Justice Gangopadhyay remarked, “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 has led to widespread speculation about his next move and the potential impact on West Bengal’s political dynamics.
A Controversial Yet Impactful Tenure
Justice Gangopadhyay’s tenure was not without controversy. A notable tussle between his single bench and a division bench of the high court over instituting a CBI probe in an alleged scam in issuing caste certificates to candidates aspiring for reserved category MBBS seats in West Bengal led to the Supreme Court’s intervention in January, transferring all related petitions to itself.
Final Act of Service
Before officially stepping down, Justice Gangopadhyay, who has been on leave for personal reasons, declared that his resignation would be effective immediately upon submission to the President. He has scheduled a press conference at 1:30 pm on Tuesday in front of the statue of legendary freedom fighter Masterda Surya Sen, promising to answer all queries post-resignation.
A Legal Luminary’s Departure (High Court Judge Resigns)
Justice Gangopadhyay, who joined the Calcutta High Court as an additional judge on May 2, 2018, and was elevated to a permanent judge on July 30, 2020, leaves behind a legacy of judicial activism and an unwavering commitment to justice. His transition from the judiciary to potentially engaging in politics is keenly watched by supporters and critics alike, as it opens a new chapter in his career dedicated to serving the people of West Bengal from a different vantage point.
As the state anticipates his next steps, Justice Gangopadhyay’s departure underscores the intricate relationship between the judiciary and politics, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in striving for a corruption-free society.
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FAQs on Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s Resignation and Future Endeavors
1. Why did Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay resign from the Calcutta High Court? Justice Gangopadhyay resigned from his position to potentially enter politics, driven by his desire to address and act against the widespread corruption he encountered, especially in the education sector, from a more impactful platform.
2. What issues did Justice Gangopadhyay address during his tenure? During his tenure, he focused on “huge corruption” in the education sector, including irregularities in the recruitment processes of teaching and non-teaching staff in West Bengal government-sponsored and -aided schools. He also highlighted “large employer scams” related to provident fund gratuity.
3. What were some of the notable actions taken by Justice Gangopadhyay? Justice Gangopadhyay issued several directives for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate corruption and irregularities. His swift directives, occasionally requiring compliance within hours, have been particularly noteworthy.
4. How did the political leaders react to Justice Gangopadhyay’s rulings? His candid remarks and decisive rulings on corruption stirred dissatisfaction among certain leaders of the ruling party in West Bengal, indicating the politically sensitive nature of his judicial interventions.
5. What led to the Supreme Court’s intervention during Justice Gangopadhyay’s tenure? A conflict between his single bench and a division bench of the high court over a CBI probe into an alleged scam concerning the issuance of caste certificates for reserved category MBBS seats in West Bengal prompted the Supreme Court to transfer all related petitions to itself.
6. What did Justice Gangopadhyay say about his move to politics? Justice Gangopadhyay expressed that the political field offers a unique opportunity to serve and act for the “helpless people” more effectively, indicating his belief that he can make a more significant impact through political engagement.
7. When did Justice Gangopadhyay announce his resignation? He announced his resignation on Tuesday, March 4, and mentioned that it would be effective from the moment he sends it to the President.
8. What are Justice Gangopadhyay’s plans after resigning? After resigning, he planned to address all queries from journalists at a press conference held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday in front of the statue of Masterda Surya Sen, located in front of the high court buildings.
9. What is Justice Gangopadhyay’s background? Before being elevated to a permanent judge on July 30, 2020, Justice Gangopadhyay joined the Calcutta High Court as an additional judge on May 2, 2018. He had a legal practice at the high court prior to his appointment.
10. What impact has Justice Gangopadhyay’s resignation had? His resignation has sparked discussions on the role of the judiciary in addressing corruption and the potential impact of his future political endeavors on West Bengal’s political landscape and its fight against corruption.
