The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rebuked Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament (MP) Abhishek Banerjee over his claim that some judges had succumbed to political pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Justice Krishna Rao was hearing a plea to upgrade Banerjee's security cover to the Z+ category when the State's counsel flagged the TMC leader's controversial comments.
The Bench expressed strong displeasure over Banerjee's insinuation that several judges were biased in favour of the ruling BJP and that cases involving political opponents or ordinary citizens are not heard promptly.
"Ask your client for a list of judges with the BJP and TMC party ...Your client is writing an ACR (Annual Confidential Report) of the judges!" Justice Krishna Rao said, addressing Banerjee's counsel.
Additional Advocate General (AAG) Billwadal Bhattacharyya yesterday brought to the Court's notice allegations made by Banerjee that his petition was not being heard due to political pressure.
In comments made to the media, Banerjee had reportedly said that Justice Rao did not hear his urgent plea for security prior to the recent week-long festival vacation of the High Court because he was under political pressure.
AAG Bhattachaaryya further referred to a video clip of Banerjee in which he was allegedly heard saying,
"A part of the judiciary playing the role of mute spectators, they also want all the principal opposition leaders and political workers to die so that they get killed by the goons of BJP and police."
The AAG added that Banerjee cast aspersions of corruption against Justice Rao during the interview as well.
Banerjee is accused of stating,
"On the previous day also, I have said that our judiciary, be it our High Court or Supreme Court, there are many good judges who have not sold their spine, those who are working really hard to protect the Constitution. But I have no hesitation to say that one class has been completely sold to the BJP...What kind of judiciary is this? What can be more miserable for the country than when the judiciary acts against the Constitution? What are you so afraid of? Better you say, kill Abhishek Banerjee."
Banerjee's counsel replied that such comments stemmed from the TMC leader's exasperation from the continued sense of danger that he and his family are constantly being subjected to.
"I (Banerjee) am being fed to the wolves," Banerjee's counsel said.
However, Justice Rao was not impressed by the submission, adding that Banerjee is free to avail other remedies if he is dissatisfied with the High Court's response.
"If you want prompt remedy, you can go to other forums also, there is the Supreme Court as well as the coordinate benches of this court," Justice Rao said.
The Court proceeded to reserve its verdict on Banerjee's plea.