West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the importance of unity and integrity in the judicial system during the inauguration of the new building of the Calcutta High Court’s Circuit Bench in Jalpaiguri. She urged for a judiciary free from casteism and religionism, advocating for a system that serves the people. Banerjee commended the public for their trust in the judiciary and called for an end to media trials before case resolutions.
Despite facing funding challenges from the Centre, Banerjee highlighted her government’s commitment to welfare projects by independently continuing initiatives like 88 fast track courts, including those dedicated to women and POCSO cases. She also mentioned providing land for the construction of various court buildings and campuses.
The inauguration ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India, and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, marked the completion of a long-awaited project by the state government. The new Circuit Bench aims to improve access to justice for residents of several districts in north Bengal. Banerjee stressed the need to halt the practice of media trials before legal judgments, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in upholding democracy.
