Agartala: The Tripura Bar Association on Monday resolved to boycott the court of Gautam Sarkar, President of the West Tripura District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, alleging misconduct, and issued a three-day ultimatum to the state government seeking his removal.
The decision was taken at a general body meeting of the Association following deliberations on complaints levelled against Sarkar. Advocates alleged that his conduct had adversely affected the functioning of the Commission.
Senior advocate Pijush Biswas said the members unanimously decided to boycott Sarkar’s court, adding that similar allegations had surfaced during his earlier postings at Sonamura and Ambassa. He said the situation became untenable after Sarkar’s appointment to the district consumer forum, prompting the Bar to take a collective stand.
Biswas said a delegation of the Bar Association would meet the minister in charge of the department and demand Sarkar’s removal within three days. He added that if no action was taken within the stipulated period, the Association would convene another general body meeting to decide its next course of action.
Advocate Arindam Bhattacharjee alleged that Sarkar’s conduct had affected not only lawyers but also members and staff of the Commission. He said concerns had repeatedly been raised over Sarkar’s behaviour during office hours and while conducting proceedings. Bhattacharjee further claimed that whenever objections were raised, Sarkar sought to deflect criticism by citing his status as a judicial officer.
The advocates also referred to allegations raised during Sarkar’s earlier tenure at Ambassa, including complaints of misconduct, and questioned his reappointment as President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission after superannuation.
The Bar Association said all allegations and concerns would be formally submitted to the state government for appropriate action.
Meanwhile, Sarkar has lodged an FIR at the NCC police station, alleging that the developments posed a threat to the independence of the judiciary, sources said.
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