Calcutta High Court Cracks Down on Hecklers Targeting Lawyers

On the evening of April 25, a disturbing incident unfolded near the Calcutta High Court that has raised serious concerns about the safety and dignity of the legal profession. A group of lawyers, including the well-respected senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, was allegedly heckled by a mob outside their chambers near the Calcutta High Court building.

A Concerned Calcutta High Court Steps In

The matter came to light when a few advocates, deeply disturbed by the treatment of their colleagues, brought it to the attention of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam. Taking suo motu cognisance of the situation, the Chief Justice, along with Justices Arijit Banerjee, Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, and Rajarshi Bharadwaj, formed a special three-judge bench to address the issue.

The Calcutta High Court observed that, on the surface, the incident appeared to be an act of criminal contempt, as it involved interference with the due administration of justice and may have scandalised the judiciary.

Immediate Orders for Action

In response to this grave situation, the Calcutta High Court directed the Kolkata Police Commissioner to conduct a thorough inquiry. The police have been instructed to identify the individuals involved in the heckling and to take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. Furthermore, the bench ordered that CCTV footage from the location of the incident be preserved to aid in the investigation. The police have been given a deadline to file their report by May 19.

The Need for Protection and Respect

In its ruling, the Calcutta High Court emphasised the importance of protecting the members of the legal profession, who play a crucial role in upholding the rule of law. The judges were clear in their directive that such incidents should not be allowed to tarnish the dignity of those who serve in the legal field. The Court also instructed the police to take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring that the legal community can work without fear of intimidation.

A Deeply Emotional Matter for the Legal Community

This incident has stirred a sense of vulnerability within the legal community. Senior advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, a prominent figure in Kolkata’s legal circles, was reportedly surrounded and heckled by the mob, an experience that must have been deeply unsettling. The fact that these actions occurred near the very place where justice is served makes the situation all the more distressing. Lawyers, often seen as the pillars of justice, are now left questioning their safety and the respect owed to their profession.

Taking Strong Legal Action Against Alleged Contemnors

Along with ordering an inquiry into the incident, the Calcutta High Court also took the significant step of issuing notices to eight individuals named in a petition related to the incident. The notices have been issued for contempt of court, as the actions of the mob were seen as an attempt to disrupt the functioning of the judiciary. The alleged contemnors have been allowed to submit their replies within two weeks of receiving the notice.

Support from Legal Bodies and Associations

The incident did not go unnoticed by other members of the legal community. The Chief Justice’s bench also ordered notices to be served to key legal bodies such as the Advocate General’s office, the Additional Solicitor General’s office, and the secretaries of three important Bar associations in the Calcutta High Court. This broad involvement highlights the seriousness with which the legal profession is taking the matter.

The Road Ahead

While this episode has brought to light some disturbing issues regarding the safety and dignity of the legal profession, it is heartening to see that the Calcutta High Court is taking robust steps to address the situation. The Calcutta High Court commitment to ensuring that such incidents do not go unpunished and that the rule of law is upheld is commendable. The legal community, despite the emotional toll, can take solace in the fact that the judiciary is actively involved in protecting their rights and dignity.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the available information regarding the incident and the actions taken by the Calcutta High Court. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the organisations mentioned.