In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has issued a contempt notice against a group of individuals who gathered outside one of its courtrooms, where they insulted the sitting judge, Justice Biswajit Basu, and heckled several lawyers. This incident occurred in connection with ongoing cases related to the 2016 SSC (Staff Selection Commission) selection process. The mob’s disruptive behavior, including the verbal abuse directed at the judge and senior lawyer Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, led the court to take stern action.
The full bench of the Calcutta High Court, comprising Justices Arijit Banerjee, Sabyasachi Bhattacharya, and Rajarshi Bharadwaj, has directed the police to investigate the matter further. Specifically, they have been instructed to identify the participants involved in the disturbance and to preserve any available CCTV footage from the courtroom premises to assist with the investigation.
During the hearing, the bench observed, "We have gone through the material on record and we are prima facie of the view that this is criminal contempt. Therefore, we will issue notice to these persons and grant them an opportunity to file an affidavit to explain themselves. If we are not satisfied with their explanation, we will issue rule." This strong statement underscores the gravity with which the court is treating the matter.
The case, titled Court on its own motion v Raju Das & Ors (Case No: CRLCP/5/2025), was initially mentioned before the Chief Justice's bench before being placed before the full bench for further proceedings. The court is now awaiting the responses from the individuals involved, and if their explanations are found insufficient, further legal action could follow.
The action taken by the Calcutta High Court highlights the importance of maintaining respect and decorum within the courtroom. The court's stand is clear: any form of disrespect toward the judiciary or its officers will not be tolerated, and the individuals responsible will be held accountable.
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This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the challenges faced by the judiciary in ensuring that courts remain spaces of dignity and respect, free from any form of disruption or intimidation. The court's prompt response serves as a reminder that such behavior will have legal consequences.
Case: Court on its own motion v Raju Das & Ors
Case No: CRLCP/5/2025
