Calcutta lawyers oppose “malicious campaign” against Justice Ganguly; Hold protest rally at the High Court

A number of lawyers held a “protest rally” against, what they perceive to be, a “malicious” campaign against Justice AK Ganguly. The rally was held at the Calcutta High Court. Justice Ganguly, a former Supreme Court judge, who has been accused of sexually harassing his research assistant, currently heads the West Bengal National Human Rights Commission..Ever since Chief Justice Sathasivam issued a public statement that a 3-judge committee had evidence which indicated a prima facie act of “unwelcome behaviour” by the judge, demands for Justice Ganguly’s resignation have become louder. The last such demand was made by Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising in an open letter addressed to Justice Ganguly..Senior Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, who incidentally was also the Mayor of Kolkata, told Bar & Bench that there was a concerted campaign against Justice Ganguly by “vested interests”. He also said that unless due procedure is followed, ie the alleged victim files a complaint before the appropriate authority, the question of resignation does not arise. It was his contention that a resignation would be required when in situations where holding onto the post would hamper an ongoing investigation. “When there is no investigation taking place,” said the counsel, “then why should he resign?”.Bhattacharya also said that Justice Ganguly has played an “extremely positive” role as head of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission and that it could be this pro-active role that has led “vested interests” to demand Justice Ganguly’s resignation..Another Senior Advocate, and noted criminal lawyer, Milon Mukherjee told The Telegraph that Ganguly’s “humiliation” and ASG Jaisingh’s open letter had,.“Created panic in the minds of lawyers and judges of the courts. We are not going to tolerate this any more. How could the Supreme Court initiate an inquiry on the basis of a blog written by an intern?” .The Senior Advocate also said that he installed closed circuit televisions in his chambers as protection against “bogus complaints”.