The Calcutta High Court Bar Association strongly condemned the alleged attack on judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda district. The Bar body passed a resolution calling for strict action against those involved and suspended one of its members. The incident occurred during the Special Intensive Revision exercise, where seven judicial officers, including three women, were reportedly held hostage for nearly nine hours.
The Bar Association expressed grave concern over the incident, terming it a cowardly attack on the judiciary. Describing the act as arduous and obnoxious, the association emphasized the need for action against such assaults on the judiciary. The resolution highlighted the alleged inaction of the police during the incident, stating that the police allowed the situation to persist for about nine hours.
Advocate Mofakkerul Islam was identified as the principal perpetrator behind the incident and the alleged instigation of the mob. The Bar body, condemning his conduct, decided to suspend Islam from its membership immediately. The resolution also mentioned that disciplinary proceedings would be initiated for his expulsion and requested the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enroll him for his actions against the principles of a learned advocate.
The Supreme Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe into the Malda episode. Acting on the allegations against the West Bengal Police, the apex court ordered the NIA to investigate all 12 FIRs related to the incident. The court allowed the NIA to register additional FIRs if a wider conspiracy is uncovered and mandated periodic status reports to be submitted. The state police were instructed to provide all evidence and cooperate fully in the investigation.
