West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday appealed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to safeguard the Constitution, democracy, and judicial independence, while warning against the misuse of investigative agencies.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench building of the Calcutta High Court, Banerjee urged the CJI to ensure that citizens are not wrongly targeted. She called on him to protect the Constitution, democracy, judiciary, and the nation’s integrity.
Referring to the Chief Justice as the “guardian of the Constitution,” Banerjee emphasized that the judiciary must remain impartial and cautioned against “media trials” that malign individuals before verdicts are delivered. She stressed that agencies should not deliberately attempt to defame citizens, framing her remarks as a broader appeal to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.
Her comments come amid tensions between the Trinamool Congress government and the Enforcement Directorate, following raids on 10 locations, including the party’s political consultancy firm I-PAC, in a money-laundering investigation.
Banerjee also raised concerns about junior lawyers struggling in the profession and asked the CJI to ensure the new generation receives proper support. Highlighting judicial infrastructure developments, she noted that West Bengal has established 88 fast-track courts, including 52 women’s courts, seven POCSO courts, four labour courts, and 19 human rights courts, despite a halt in central funding.
On the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench, she praised the new building, noting the state spent over Rs 500 crore on its construction across 40.08 acres. She also highlighted land allocations for a new Calcutta High Court building in Rajarhat, New Town, and the establishment of six district judges’ courts and eight sub-divisional judges’ courts, demonstrating the state’s investment in strengthening judicial infrastructure.
