Communist Party of India (Marxist) Politburo member Brinda Karat on Saturday sought the immediate removal of retired Supreme Court judge Justice A.K. Ganguly from the chairmanship of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission in light of the findings of a three-judge committee constituted by the Supreme Court. The committee had indicted Justice Ganguly of committing an “act of unwelcome behaviour” and “conduct of sexual nature” towards a woman law intern.
Interacting with journalists here, she also demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated against him though the Supreme Court committee refused to proceed against Justice Ganguly as he was a retired judge on the day of the incident. “In the interest of justice, the whole truth in this matter must come out through due legal process to be pursued by the appropriate institutions. Mr Ganguly must step down and face investigation.”
Ms. Karat also accused Union Law Minister Kapil Sibal of showing extreme hypocrisy and double standards in questioning the panel’s decision to not take further action against the former judge. “Mr. Ganguly was the judge who exposed Sibal’s stand in 2G scam case that there was zero loss in the whole deal. Mr. Sibal’s reaction was by-and-large reflecting his personal vendetta towards Mr. Ganguly than any concern for sexual assault victims,” she said.
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She also came down heavily on BJP leader and senior lawyer Arun Jaitley, who had assailed Justice Ganguly, for not taking up cases of sexual assault victims.
“The victim must get justice and a thorough investigation is needed. But political leadership must desist from selective espousing of rape and sexual assault cases.”