West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday alleged that there was corruption in a section of judiciary. To further buttress her allegation, she said: “Why should there be verdicts in the court only in exchange of money. I am sorry to say in many cases favourable judgments are being given today in return for money,” she said. Ms Banerjee was speaking at a seminar in West Bengal Legislative Assembly on the occasion of its platinum jubilee. She herself made it clear that the tirade against the judiciary was not an-off-the-cuff remark when she said that she was aware of the pitfalls of making such a comment. “I know I am saying this in the Assembly and there can be a defamation case against me for saying this but I will be happy to go to jail for expressing my opinion,” she added.
Her stunning observation evoked sharp criticism. A noted lawyer and Congress leader Arunava Ghosh said the chief minister must specifically mention which verdict had been purchased. “She cannot get away by making such wild allegations. She may face a criminal contempt of court for this,” he added.
Mr Ghosh claimed that the judiciary had earned Ms Banerjee’s wrath because of it delivered a judgment on Singur which was not to the chief minister’s liking. “When a court gives a verdict which goes in her favour like the Nandigram ruling, she hails it as victory of truth and democracy. However, when a verdict does not suit her purpose, she casts aspersions on the integrity of judiciary. This is nothing but shameful double-standard,” he added.
Leader of Opposition Surjya Kanta Mishra said that the CM’s style of functioning betrayed dictatorial streaks. “Anyone who opposes her becomes corrupt. Anyone who questions her becomes a Maoist,” he said.