Political party Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut, on Monday (Mar 4) slammed Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for joining politics.

The party leader from the state of Maharashtra suggested that even when the judges “resign” and join politics it means that they were working for a particular party as opposed to delivering justice.

“If sitting judges of the High Court and Supreme Court resign and join a particular political party, it means they were not delivering justice, but working for the party,” Raut told reporters in Mumbai when asked about the decision.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-jp-nadda-resigns-from-upper-house-of-parliament-ahead-of-indian-general-election-696533">BJP president JP Nadda resigns from upper house of Parliament ahead of Indian General Election</a>

This comes a day after West Bengal’s ruling TMC, on Sunday, made similar allegations against Gangopadhyay as Raut did saying that he was a “political worker” and his decision to join politics laid bare his anti-TMC bias.&nbsp;

“We have been saying for long that he is a political party worker. We thank him today for proving us right,” TMC state spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya quipped.

<h2>Gangopadhyay to join politics</h2>

Gangopadhyay on Sunday (Mar 3) said he was leaving the judiciary and joining politics, a move welcomed by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.&nbsp;

The Calcutta HC judge is known for having fierce conflicts with West Bengal’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.&nbsp;

“For the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed,” Gangopadhyay told news agency ANI.

He added, “A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government (TMC) are now languishing in jail, under trial. Thereafter, now I am taking labour matters.”&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-abhijit-gangopadhyay-of-calcutta-hc-to-join-politics-bjp-congress-hail-decision-696176">Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court to join politics; BJP, Congress hail decision</a>

The Calcutta high court justice went on to talk about how “only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them.”&nbsp;

<h2>Both BJP and Congress welcome&nbsp;Gangopadhyay</h2>

While Gangopadhyay did not say which party he would join, both Congress and BJP have welcomed him.&nbsp;

BJP said people like Gangopadhyay should be joining politics to do our country a favour. &nbsp;“People like Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining politics is something that is in the country’s favour. I guess the BJP would be his natural choice,” said state BJP President Sukanta Majumdar.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “He is a crusader against corruption. If he wants to join the Congress, we will give him a warm welcome. He is a fighter. If he joins the BJP, then ideologically we can’t support (him).”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Political party Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut, on Monday (Mar 4) slammed Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for joining politics.

Political party Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut, on Monday (Mar 4) slammed Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for joining politics. The party leader from the state of Maharashtra suggested that even when the judges “resign” and join politics it means that they were working for a particular party as opposed to delivering justice. “If sitting judges of the High Court and Supreme Court resign and join a particular political party, it means they were not delivering justice, but working for the party,” Raut told reporters in Mumbai when asked about the decision. Also Read | BJP president JP Nadda resigns from upper house of Parliament ahead of Indian General Election This comes a day after West Bengal’s ruling TMC, on Sunday, made similar allegations against Gangopadhyay as Raut did saying that he was a “political worker” and his decision to join politics laid bare his anti-TMC bias. “We have been saying for long that he is a political party worker. We thank him today for proving us right,” TMC state spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya quipped. Gangopadhyay to join politics Gangopadhyay on Sunday (Mar 3) said he was leaving the judiciary and joining politics, a move welcomed by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. The Calcutta HC judge is known for having fierce conflicts with West Bengal’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. “For the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed,” Gangopadhyay told news agency ANI. He added, “A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government (TMC) are now languishing in jail, under trial. Thereafter, now I am taking labour matters.” Also Read | Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court to join politics; BJP, Congress hail decision The Calcutta high court justice went on to talk about how “only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them.” Both BJP and Congress welcome Gangopadhyay While Gangopadhyay did not say which party he would join, both Congress and BJP have welcomed him. BJP said people like Gangopadhyay should be joining politics to do our country a favour. “People like Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining politics is something that is in the country’s favour. I guess the BJP would be his natural choice,” said state BJP President Sukanta Majumdar. Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “He is a crusader against corruption. If he wants to join the Congress, we will give him a warm welcome. He is a fighter. If he joins the BJP, then ideologically we can’t support (him).” (With inputs from agencies)

India: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Sanjay Raut slams Calcutta high court judge over aspirations to join politics

Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay has officially resigned and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).&nbsp;

Confirming his decision, Justice Gangopadhyay, speaking to reporters on Tuesday (March 5) in Kolkata, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very hardworking man’ and criticised the ruling Trinamool, stating that the party's implosion indicates corruption and that he was inspired to enter politics.

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“I felt that I had done enough work there (in judiciary), but some work is set to be done for people who cannot go to the court or do not have the resources to go to the court. They are very helpless, and I should help them with the little resources I have for them, and that's why I have decided to join politics. I will be joining the BJP,” Abhijit Gangopadhyay said after announcing his resignation to join politics.

The former judge plans to join the BJP on March 7, according to a tentative program.

Justice Gangopadhyay, who gained attention last year for discussing a case he was handling in an interview, is widely expected to be a BJP candidate in the upcoming general election.

Speculation suggests he may contest the Tamluk seat, traditionally held by the Trinamool Congress, where the party has maintained control since the 2009 election.

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Earlier in the day, Justice Gangopadhyay confirmed his resignation and expressed his intention to meet the Chief Justice for a courtesy visit.&nbsp;

He disclosed that he had sent his resignation to the President of India and planned to hold a press conference, adjusting the venue to his home due to current prohibitory orders against large gatherings.

Justice Gangopadhyay, known for his controversial rulings and statements, received an invitation from Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh to join politics. Despite previous criticism from Ghosh, Justice Gangopadhyay acknowledged him as a good person.

Watch:&nbsp;Nirmala Sitharaman and Dr S Jaishankar to contest Lok Sabha elections

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His decision to step into politics comes after a series of headline-making incidents, including an interview discussing a case, accusations against another judge of working for a political party, and an order for the arrest of a lawyer in the courtroom, leading to a bar association boycott.

(With inputs from agencies)

Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay has officially resigned and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Confirming his decision, Justice Gangopadhyay, speaking to reporters on Tuesday (March 5) in Kolkata, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very hardworking man’ and criticised the ruling Trinamool, stating that the party's implosion indicates corruption and that he was inspired to enter politics.

Calcutta High Court Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay has officially resigned and is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Confirming his decision, Justice Gangopadhyay, speaking to reporters on Tuesday (March 5) in Kolkata, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a ‘very hardworking man’ and criticised the ruling Trinamool, stating that the party's implosion indicates corruption and that he was inspired to enter politics. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP bets big on Bhojpuri stars “I felt that I had done enough work there (in judiciary), but some work is set to be done for people who cannot go to the court or do not have the resources to go to the court. They are very helpless, and I should help them with the little resources I have for them, and that's why I have decided to join politics. I will be joining the BJP,” Abhijit Gangopadhyay said after announcing his resignation to join politics. The former judge plans to join the BJP on March 7, according to a tentative program. Justice Gangopadhyay, who gained attention last year for discussing a case he was handling in an interview, is widely expected to be a BJP candidate in the upcoming general election. Speculation suggests he may contest the Tamluk seat, traditionally held by the Trinamool Congress, where the party has maintained control since the 2009 election. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's first list puts focus on continuity Earlier in the day, Justice Gangopadhyay confirmed his resignation and expressed his intention to meet the Chief Justice for a courtesy visit. He disclosed that he had sent his resignation to the President of India and planned to hold a press conference, adjusting the venue to his home due to current prohibitory orders against large gatherings. Justice Gangopadhyay, known for his controversial rulings and statements, received an invitation from Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh to join politics. Despite previous criticism from Ghosh, Justice Gangopadhyay acknowledged him as a good person. Watch: Nirmala Sitharaman and Dr S Jaishankar to contest Lok Sabha elections × His decision to step into politics comes after a series of headline-making incidents, including an interview discussing a case, accusations against another judge of working for a political party, and an order for the arrest of a lawyer in the courtroom, leading to a bar association boycott. (With inputs from agencies)

Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigns as Calcutta High Court judge, to join BJP

Justice C S Karnan of the Calcutta High Court today declined to undergo a medical examination by a four-member medical team from a government hospital here, saying he is &quot;quite normal and has a stable mind&quot;.

After refusing to undergo a medical check up, Justice Karnan gave in writing to the doctors, &quot;I declined to avail medical treatment since I am quite normal and have a stable mind. Further my strong view about the Supreme Court order (is that) it amounts to insult and harassment towards the judge (myself),&quot; he said.

Justice Karnan told the doctors that for holding such a medical examination, guardian&#39;s consent is required.&nbsp;

&quot;As my family members are not here, there is no such consent. So any medical test cannot be held&quot;, he said.

He said that his wife and a son are in Chennai while his another son is working in France.

The Supreme Court had on May 1 ordered medical examination of Justice Karnan by a board of doctors, to be set up by a government hospital in Kolkata.

A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had also directed the director general of police of West Bengal to form a team of police officers which could assist the medical board in carrying out the medical examination of the HC judge.

A four-member team of doctors along with police had gone to Justice Karnan&#39;s residence in New Town, Kolkata in the morning.

(PTI)

Justice Karnan told the doctors that for holding such a medical examination, guardian's consent is required and that his family was not in Kolkata

Justice C S Karnan of the Calcutta High Court today declined to undergo a medical examination by a four-member medical team from a government hospital here, saying he is "quite normal and has a stable mind". After refusing to undergo a medical check up, Justice Karnan gave in writing to the doctors, "I declined to avail medical treatment since I am quite normal and have a stable mind. Further my strong view about the Supreme Court order (is that) it amounts to insult and harassment towards the judge (myself)," he said. Justice Karnan told the doctors that for holding such a medical examination, guardian's consent is required. "As my family members are not here, there is no such consent. So any medical test cannot be held", he said. He said that his wife and a son are in Chennai while his another son is working in France. The Supreme Court had on May 1 ordered medical examination of Justice Karnan by a board of doctors, to be set up by a government hospital in Kolkata. A seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar had also directed the director general of police of West Bengal to form a team of police officers which could assist the medical board in carrying out the medical examination of the HC judge. A four-member team of doctors along with police had gone to Justice Karnan's residence in New Town, Kolkata in the morning. (PTI)

Justice CS Karnan refuses medical examination

A day after challenging a seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court to &ldquo;arrest and put him in jail&rdquo; for contempt, Calcutta High Court judge, Justice CS Karnan continued to be defiant, calling the SC bench &ldquo;unconstitutional&rdquo; and &ldquo;artificial&rdquo; and maintained that the contempt order against him was in violation of principle of natural justice and was not maintainable under the law.

In an exclusive interaction with WION, Justice Karnan also stood by his allegations of corruption against 20 judges in the Madras High Court and claimed that he can establish his case against these judges on the basis of the available administrative record. &ldquo;The 20 judges are corrupted. The administrative record is available on the file of the Madras High Court registry. On the strength of the administrative file, I can establish my case against the 20 judges,&rdquo; he told WION/DNA.

The Calcutta High Court judge also said that &ldquo;all honourable seven judges have no locus standi to constitute and unconstitutional bench and issue a suo motu contempt order against me which is violating the natural principle of justice&rdquo;. &ldquo;Article 19 (1) G of the Constitution duly permits to all citizens freedom of speech, writing etc,&rdquo; he added.

Asked whether he was ready to tender an unconditional apology to the apex court, Justice Karnan said, &ldquo;No..no..no..no. They are contemnors. Yesterday, I passed judicial order and I declared that all seven judges are contemnors...all seven judges are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act...further directed the Registrar General not to allot any administrative or judicial work &nbsp;to the honourable judges because they are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act.&rdquo;

On whether he had any locus standi in passing an order on the SC judges, Justice Karnan said, &ldquo;Yes, the Indian Constitution permits. Under the provision of the Constitution, I can pass orders. I am also having interim power. This SC bench is not a regular bench...it is an unconstitutional bench...artificial bench. In order to harass me, the bench was artificially constituted.&rdquo; 
&nbsp; 
Karnan further said that &ldquo;the point of unconditional apology does not arise because so far there is no discussion or findings that I am contemnor&rdquo;. &ldquo;The suo motu contempt initiated by the seven judge bench is not maintainable under the law. Law does not permit this. There was no original jurisdiction...no cause of action...no provision. What relief are the honourable judges seeking against me? So far they haven&rsquo;t disclosed,&rdquo; he told WION/DNA.

Karnan also made it clear that he will &ldquo;not appear before the honourable seven judges since they are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act&rdquo;.

When asked about his future course of action, Justice Karnan said, &ldquo;I want to execute my order.&rdquo; Asked as to how will he do that, he responded, &ldquo;Wait and see a couple of days.&rdquo; On his dare to the SC asking it to put him in jail, the judge said, &ldquo;Law doesn&rsquo;t permit that. They cannot put me in jail.&rdquo;

Karnan further said that he had written a complaint against 20 corrupt judges to the Prime Minister of India since the &ldquo;PM of India has power...is a high competent authority to order an inquiry on my complaint&rdquo;. &ldquo;However, the honourable judges suo motu issued contempt proceedings against me...before that there is no prior notice...judicial and administrative work was taken off from me without hearing my side. Actually, there is no discussion..no findings that I am contemnor but the honourable judges direct me to come and appear before them,&rdquo; he added.

&quot;I am also holding constitutional office. One constitutional office should not stand (against) another constitutional office,&quot; he said.

(WION)

Justice Karnan stood by his allegations of corruption against 20 Madras High Court judges

A day after challenging a seven-judge Bench of the Supreme Court to “arrest and put him in jail” for contempt, Calcutta High Court judge, Justice CS Karnan continued to be defiant, calling the SC bench “unconstitutional” and “artificial” and maintained that the contempt order against him was in violation of principle of natural justice and was not maintainable under the law. In an exclusive interaction with WION, Justice Karnan also stood by his allegations of corruption against 20 judges in the Madras High Court and claimed that he can establish his case against these judges on the basis of the available administrative record. “The 20 judges are corrupted. The administrative record is available on the file of the Madras High Court registry. On the strength of the administrative file, I can establish my case against the 20 judges,” he told WION/DNA. The Calcutta High Court judge also said that “all honourable seven judges have no locus standi to constitute and unconstitutional bench and issue a suo motu contempt order against me which is violating the natural principle of justice”. “Article 19 (1) G of the Constitution duly permits to all citizens freedom of speech, writing etc,” he added. Asked whether he was ready to tender an unconditional apology to the apex court, Justice Karnan said, “No..no..no..no. They are contemnors. Yesterday, I passed judicial order and I declared that all seven judges are contemnors...all seven judges are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act...further directed the Registrar General not to allot any administrative or judicial work to the honourable judges because they are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act.” On whether he had any locus standi in passing an order on the SC judges, Justice Karnan said, “Yes, the Indian Constitution permits. Under the provision of the Constitution, I can pass orders. I am also having interim power. This SC bench is not a regular bench...it is an unconstitutional bench...artificial bench. In order to harass me, the bench was artificially constituted.” Karnan further said that “the point of unconditional apology does not arise because so far there is no discussion or findings that I am contemnor”. “The suo motu contempt initiated by the seven judge bench is not maintainable under the law. Law does not permit this. There was no original jurisdiction...no cause of action...no provision. What relief are the honourable judges seeking against me? So far they haven’t disclosed,” he told WION/DNA. Karnan also made it clear that he will “not appear before the honourable seven judges since they are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act”. When asked about his future course of action, Justice Karnan said, “I want to execute my order.” Asked as to how will he do that, he responded, “Wait and see a couple of days.” On his dare to the SC asking it to put him in jail, the judge said, “Law doesn’t permit that. They cannot put me in jail.” Karnan further said that he had written a complaint against 20 corrupt judges to the Prime Minister of India since the “PM of India has power...is a high competent authority to order an inquiry on my complaint”. “However, the honourable judges suo motu issued contempt proceedings against me...before that there is no prior notice...judicial and administrative work was taken off from me without hearing my side. Actually, there is no discussion..no findings that I am contemnor but the honourable judges direct me to come and appear before them,” he added. "I am also holding constitutional office. One constitutional office should not stand (against) another constitutional office," he said. (WION)

EXCLUSIVE: SC contempt order not maintainable under law, Justice Karnan tells WION