West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to “protect the Constitution and democracy from disaster” so as to safeguard the country’s institutions which are under threat.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the inauguration of the new building of the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court where CJI Surya Kant was present, the CM said, “I request the Chief Justice of India and all judges to please protect the Constitution, democracy, judiciary, history and geography, as well as the country’s borders, from disaster.”
Describing the building as a “historic milestone” for the region, Banerjee highlighted the state’s “massive investment” in legal infrastructure, stating the new complex, spread over 40.08 acres, was built at more than Rs 500 crore.
The facility includes six courtrooms and eighty residential complexes for judges, including a bungalow for the High Court Chief Justice.
“There should be no difference on the basis of caste, creed or religion. Let us work together and speak for unity. This building is even better than the Calcutta High Court (building). We have already spent Rs 1,200 crore, excluding this building, even as the Central government stopped releasing the funds. We have set up 88 fast-track courts — 52 for women, seven POCSO courts, four labour courts, and 19 human rights courts. We have also given 14 acres of primary land in Rajarhat New Town for for the new setup… a law academy is also being set up there,” she said.
Making an appeal to the judiciary to “act as a bulwark against the alleged erosion of constitutional values”, she said the Constitution, citizens, judiciary and the media are vital pillars of the nation and they should remain untainted.
“There are three important pillars — first, the Constitution; second, the citizens of this country; third, the judiciary; and fourth, the media. My humble regards to you all. Please take care of our new generation of lawyers. Junior lawyers are struggling and are not getting proper benefits; we want them to receive due support, she said.
Banerjee also raised concern over the role of investigative agencies and the media in influencing public perception before legal verdicts are given.
“There should be no media trials before cases are finalised. This has become a tool to malign people. Please ensure that agencies do not deliberately attempt to defame citizens. I am not speaking for myself — I am saying this to save democracy, people, judiciary and the Constitution. We are under your guardianship. Nobody is above you,” the CM remarked.
The inauguration of the building will ensure the residents of North Bengal are no longer required to travel to Kolkata for High Court matters, she said.
Justice Kant, Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court Sujoy Paul, former Supreme Court judges, West Bengal Advocate General Kishore Datta, Meghwal, and state Law Minister Moloy Ghatak were present on the occasion.