Mamata Banerjee: Judiciary Must Be Free of Casteism and Religionism
CM Mamata Banerjee urges no casteism or religionism in judiciary at Jalpaiguri High Court building inauguration.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday called for a judiciary free from casteism and religionism, stressing that the system must serve the people equally. She made the remarks while inaugurating the new building of the Calcutta High Court’s permanent Circuit Bench in Jalpaiguri, a long-pending project aimed at improving access to justice for north Bengal residents.
Addressing the gathering, CM Banerjee highlighted the judiciary as the “custodian of the Constitution” and urged unity and impartiality in all judicial processes. “Let this judiciary system be of the people, by the people, for the people. Let us work together, speak for unity, think for unity, and act for unity,” she said, emphasizing the importance of equality before the law.
The Chief Minister also criticized the trend of media trials, urging that cases should not be judged in public discourse before the courts deliver their verdicts. “The trend of media trials before disposal of cases should stop. Save democracy as we are under your custody and nobody is superior to the judiciary,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of judicial integrity.
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Despite challenges from the Centre, including withheld funds for welfare projects, Banerjee noted that her government has continued to support judicial infrastructure. She highlighted that 88 fast-track courts have been set up in the state, including 52 for women and seven POCSO courts, with additional land allocated for the construction of new Calcutta High Court campuses.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, senior judges, and state officials, including Siliguri Mayor Goutam Deb. The Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench, constructed on a 40-acre state-owned plot, is expected to benefit residents of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar by providing easier access to justice.
With this inauguration, Mamata Banerjee reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening judicial access and integrity, while urging that the judiciary remain free of social biases and political influence, reflecting a vision of fairness and democracy for all citizens.
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