The Calcutta High Court has taken action to expunge aspersions cast against the State Crime Investigation Department (CID) by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay in a money laundering case. The case pertains to the alleged failure of a cooperative society, the Alipurduar Mahila Rindan Samabay Samity, to return deposits to several individuals, amounting to approximately ₹50 crores.
Background
Justice Gangopadhyay had transferred the investigation of this case from the CID to central agencies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), on August 24. Subsequently, he rejected a plea by the CID to recall the transfer order on September 15. In this order, Justice Gangopadhyay criticized the CID for allegedly playing with the court and termed the plea “absolutely frivolous.”
High Court’s Decision
The CID challenged the September 15 order before a division bench of the Calcutta High Court. The bench upheld the transfer order but quashed Justice Gangopadhyay’s observations against the CID. It expressed that the single judge may have been influenced by emotions while making those remarks. The division bench also set aside the ₹5 lakh cost imposed on the CID and expunged the aspersions cast against it.
The division bench maintained that the CID’s plea for a recall of the transfer order was rightly rejected by Justice Gangopadhyay on merits. It found no fault with the single judge’s decision to transfer the case to the CBI, given the magnitude of the alleged offenses and the need to inspire public confidence.
Conclusion
The Calcutta High Court’s decision highlights the importance of maintaining objectivity and professionalism in court proceedings and underscores the significance of public confidence in investigations involving substantial sums of money.
