LI Network
Published on: March 04, 2024 at 19:33 IST
Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta High Court, known for his impactful rulings on education-related issues in West Bengal, has announced his intention to resign on Tuesday amidst speculation about his future political endeavors. His decisions, particularly those addressing corruption within the education sector, have significantly influenced political discourse in the state.
Gangopadhyay’s work unearthed substantial corruption, leading to the arrest and trial of several key figures in West Bengal’s education system. Furthermore, he has tackled labor matters, revealing scams related to employee benefits.
Gangopadhyay’s impending resignation was announced on Sunday, with plans to submit his letter to President Droupadi Murmu, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, and Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. He expressed a desire to serve a broader demographic beyond the courtroom, motivated by a “call of my conscience.” Gangopadhyay’s move towards politics, he believes, will enable him to more effectively advocate for the underprivileged and address systemic issues on a larger scale.
Speculation is rife that Gangopadhyay could be joining the BJP, potentially representing the Tamluk parliamentary constituency, a seat with historical significance and political weight in West Bengal. The area was previously represented by Suvendu Adhikari and is currently held by his brother, Dibyendu Adhikari.
This decision comes after a controversial phase in Gangopadhyay’s career, where his candid remarks to media about ongoing cases drew criticism from the Supreme Court. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud had to intervene, reassigning a significant case related to a teachers’ recruitment scam that Gangopadhyay had ordered the CBI to investigate. His resignation marks a significant shift from judiciary to potentially entering the political arena, signaling his commitment to addressing issues affecting the marginalized on a broader platform.
