Mamata Banerjee Urges Chief Justice to Safeguard Constitution and Judiciary

Mamata Banerjee's Call for Judicial Independence

West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has appealed to Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud to protect the Constitution, democracy, and the independence of the judiciary. Speaking at the inauguration of the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court, she warned against the misuse of investigative agencies and urged that citizens should not be unfairly targeted. Banerjee emphasized the need to safeguard the Constitution, democracy, and the judiciary, as well as the nation's history and geography, from potential disasters. She highlighted the Chief Justice's role as the guardian of the Constitution and insisted that the judiciary must remain impartial.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns about media trials, arguing that public discussions on cases often occur before judicial decisions are made. She stated that such practices tarnish reputations and urged that agencies should not intentionally defame citizens. Banerjee clarified that her remarks were made in the interest of protecting democracy, the public, the judiciary, and the Constitution, asserting that no one is above the Chief Justice.

Her comments come amid escalating tensions between the Enforcement Directorate and the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal, following raids at ten locations, including the political consulting firm I-PAC, as part of a money laundering investigation.

During the same event, Banerjee expressed concern about the legal community, noting that junior lawyers are struggling and not receiving their rightful benefits. She urged the Chief Justice to pay special attention to the new generation entering the profession. Regarding judicial infrastructure, she mentioned that despite the central government halting funding, the West Bengal government has continued to expand fast-track courts. She referenced Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, stating that they are maintaining these courts despite the funding cuts.