The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sharply questioned Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, demanding a list of judges he alleged were aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The court’s remarks came during the hearing of Banerjee’s petition challenging the downgrade of his security from Z+ to X category.
Justice Krishna Rao, who was hearing the case, asked Banerjee’s counsel to identify the specific judges he claimed were under BJP pressure. "Who are the judges with BJP and who aren't?" Justice Krishna Rao asked. He noted that since Banerjee is an educated person and elected representative, he should provide the list of judges who belong to the BJP and who belong to the TMC.
The judge further remarked, "Your client is writing the ACR (Annual Confidential Report) of the judges."
The West Bengal government sought contempt action against Banerjee over the televised interview.
Earlier, Banerjee had accused the judiciary of delays, suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party might have created pressure, and criticized the courts for pending cases in the state. The West Bengal government sought contempt action against Banerjee over the televised interview.
Additional Advocate General Bilwadal Bhattacharya submitted a video and written transcript of Banerjee’s public statements to the court. The bench reserved its order on the security plea, stating that political remarks would not influence the judiciary’s decision.