West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee delivered a strong appeal to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday. She urged him to safeguard democracy and ensure investigative agencies do not defame citizens. Banerjee made these remarks during the inauguration of the Jalpaiguri circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court.
A Direct Appeal to the Chief Justice
Mamata Banerjee spoke directly to CJI Surya Kant at the event. She emphasized the need to protect the nation's safety, security, history, geography, and boundaries. The Chief Minister also called on the media to avoid conducting trials before cases reach a final conclusion.
"We are under your custody. You are the guardians of the Constitution," Banerjee told the Chief Justice of India. Her comments highlighted a deep concern over the functioning of investigative agencies and their impact on public perception.
CJI Praises Judicial Decentralisation Effort
Chief Justice Surya Kant responded by appreciating the vision behind establishing the circuit bench. He noted the Calcutta High Court and the West Bengal government worked together to set up the Jalpaiguri circuit bench in 2019. Before this facility existed, people from the region faced a grueling journey.
They had to travel nearly 600 kilometers to Kolkata just to seek justice. "Today, it has its own home," CJI Kant stated. He described the new building as a sophisticated blend of tradition and modern digital agility. The Chief Justice called it a clear testament to the importance of judicial decentralisation.
Union Law Minister Highlights Technology Push
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended the inauguration ceremony. He announced the Jalpaiguri circuit bench would receive the latest technological upgrades. Meghwal stressed that justice must not only be delivered but must also be seen to be delivered.
The minister pointed to the Centre's ambitious e-courts project. He revealed that Phase III of this initiative has received a substantial allocation of Rs 7,210 crore. This funding aims to modernize court infrastructure across the country, including in places like Jalpaiguri.
Broader Implications for Justice Delivery
The event underscored several critical themes in India's judicial landscape. Mamata Banerjee's appeal reflects ongoing political tensions regarding agency actions. Meanwhile, the inauguration itself marks a significant step toward improving access to justice in remote areas.
The Jalpaiguri circuit bench represents a practical solution to a long-standing problem. It reduces the physical and financial burden on citizens seeking legal recourse. The integration of advanced technology promises to make the judicial process more efficient and transparent.
This development aligns with national efforts to decentralize and digitize the court system. It demonstrates a collaborative approach between the state government and the judiciary. The comments from all leaders present highlight a shared, though nuanced, commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law.
