Calcutta High Court Orders Transfer of Judge for Interfering in CBI Investigation
The Calcutta High Court has made a significant decision to transfer a special CBI court judge who reportedly interfered in a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation. Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, presiding over a single-judge bench, ordered the transfer of Judge Arpan Chattopadhyay for intervening in a previous High Court order.
The controversy arose when the special CBI court judge involved the Kolkata Police in the CBI investigation on the request of expelled youth Trinamool Congress leader Kuntal Ghosh. Ghosh accused the central agencies of exerting pressure on him to implicate Trinamool Congress’ national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, in a cash-for-school job case in West Bengal worth several crores.
Justice Gangopadhyay expressed his disapproval of the special CBI court judge’s actions, stating that the judge had no authority to intervene in a matter that was already being investigated by the central agency following an order from the Calcutta High Court. In response, Justice Gangopadhyay has directed the relevant authorities to complete the transfer process of the special CBI court judge in Kolkata by October 4.
During the court proceedings, the chief of CBI’s special investigation team for the school job case, Ashwini Senvi, appeared in front of Justice Gangopadhyay’s bench. Senvi accused the local police administration of harassing CBI officials and hindering the smooth progress of the investigation.
In light of Senvi’s complaints, Justice Gangopadhyay emphasized that the role of the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police is to maintain law and order within the state. They have no authority to intervene in a central agency investigation that has been mandated by the Calcutta High Court.
Justice Gangopadhyay stressed the importance of not compromising on issues of corruption and highlighted that the members of the CBI’s Special Investigation Team should not face any interference. He refrained from commenting on the efficiency of the Kolkata Police and State Police, but underlined the need for them to respect the ongoing investigation by the central agency.
Further addressing the matter, Justice Gangopadhyay summoned the state law minister, Malay Ghatak, to appear before him promptly. Ghatak assured Justice Gangopadhyay that he would expedite the process of transferring the special CBI court judge involved in the interference.
The Calcutta High Court’s decision to transfer the judge serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations and upholding the authority of the central agencies involved. With corruption and accountability being crucial concerns, it is essential for all parties involved to respect the boundaries set by the courts and avoid any interference that may hinder the progress of justice.
