LI Network
Published on: 27 January, 2024 at 22:25 IST
In a significant development, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, alongside Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Aniruddha Bose, convened a special session on Saturday to address the escalating controversy surrounding the fake certificate scam at the Calcutta High Court.
The apex court took charge of the situation by issuing a stay order on all proceedings within the Calcutta High Court pertaining to the said scam, effectively halting the ongoing legal activities.
This decision comes in response to a contentious move by single-judge Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, who, in defiance of a division bench stay order, had issued directives for a CBI probe in the case.
The dispute unfolded when Justice Gangopadhyay not only disregarded the division bench’s stay but also made severe allegations against Justice Soumen Sen, who presided over the bench reviewing Gangopadhyay’s order. Gangopadhyay accused Justice Sen of partisan behavior, claiming he acted in favor of a political party within the state.
The Supreme Court’s intervention came after a series of tumultuous events within the Calcutta High Court, including conflicting orders and accusations between the judges involved.
The apex Court’s decision to stay all proceedings aims to restore order and impartiality to the legal process.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised concerns over procedural irregularities, highlighting the division bench’s decision without proper documentation. However, the Chief Justice emphasized the need for stability and cautioned against making hasty judgments, acknowledging the complexities of the situation.
The Supreme Court’s notice to the State of West Bengal, CBI, and the Calcutta High Court underscores its commitment to addressing the underlying issues and ensuring fair and transparent proceedings.
This latest development adds to Justice Gangopadhyay’s history of controversy, previously drawing criticism for engaging with the media on sensitive legal matters. The apex court’s proactive stance reaffirms its role in upholding the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining public trust in the legal system.
