Kolkata/New Delhi, April 7 – Strongly condemning the alleged attack on judicial officers in Malda district, West Bengal, the Calcutta High Court Bar Association passed a resolution on Tuesday suspending one of its members and calling for strict action against those involved.
In a resolution adopted at an urgent general body meeting held at 1:30 p.m., the Bar body expressed “grave concern” over the incident that took place in the early hours of April 1 in Kaliachak, Malda, where seven judicial officers – including three women – were allegedly held hostage for nearly nine hours during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
“We, the members of the High Court Bar Association, Calcutta, are deeply disturbed by the disturbing visuals and the news that have been widely circulated regarding the cowardly and dastardly attack on the judiciary and its organs,” the resolution stated.
Describing the incident as an “atrocious and reprehensible criminal act,” the Bar Association said the legal fraternity “cannot remain indifferent” in the face of such attacks on the judiciary and described the episode as a deliberate attempt to spread “a chilling message” across the state.
The resolution also expressed concern over the alleged inaction of the police during the incident.
“We are aware that the police administration has acted as a mere spectator and allowed such barbarism and unchecked hooliganism to continue for about nine hours,” it said.
The resolution noted that advocate Mofakkerul Islam, a member of the Bar Association, has been named as the “principal perpetrator” behind the incident and the alleged instigation of the mob.
Condemning the conduct in the strongest terms, the Bar body resolved to suspend Islam from its membership with immediate effect.
“Under the circumstances… we unanimously resolve to suspend said Advocate Mofakkerul Islam from the membership of this esteemed Bar Association of High Court at Calcutta until the criminal proceedings conclude,” the resolution read.
It further stated that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated for his expulsion and that a request would be made to the Bar Council of West Bengal for his de-enrollment.
“We shall request the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enroll this errant advocate for his criminal acts, which is against the ethos of a learned advocate,” it added.
Meanwhile, taking serious note of the incident, the Supreme Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe into the Malda episode, invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant observed that the allegations against the West Bengal Police warranted an independent investigation and ordered the anti-terror agency to probe all 12 FIRs registered in connection with the incident.
The apex court also permitted the NIA to register additional FIRs if a wider conspiracy is unearthed, directed periodic status reports to be filed before it, and asked the state police to hand over all evidence and extend full cooperation.
The apex court had earlier termed the incident a “brazen attempt” to browbeat the judiciary and flagged the alleged failure of the state administration to respond effectively despite being alerted.
