Calcutta HC Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay Resigns, Suggests Potential Leap Into Politics
Known for his swift and impactful directives, Gangopadhyay's rulings often drew appreciation from various quarters, notably aspirants for school jobs.
Calcutta High Court Judge Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, renowned for his decisive rulings on education matters in the state, announced his resignation, intending to pursue a career in politics. He cited the need for action in aiding the vulnerable, particularly in light of widespread corruption he claimed to have encountered during his tenure.
Speaking to the media, Gangopadhyay emphasized his two-year-long battle against pervasive corruption, particularly within the education sector. He expressed his intention to resign on Tuesday and submit his resignation to the President of India, with copies to be sent to the Chief Justice of India and the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court.
Gangopadhyay highlighted instances of corruption in the education and employment sectors, particularly pertaining to provident fund gratuity and labor legislation. Despite his efforts to address these issues through judicial directives, he felt compelled to step into the political arena to effect broader change.
Known for his swift and impactful directives, Gangopadhyay's rulings often drew appreciation from various quarters, notably aspirants for school jobs. However, certain remarks and decisions sparked dissatisfaction among leaders of the ruling party in the state, leading to tensions between his single bench and the division bench of the high court.
In January, the Supreme Court intervened in a dispute between Gangopadhyay's bench and a division bench over initiating a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in caste certificate issuance for MBBS aspirants in West Bengal.
Gangopadhyay, who has been on leave for personal reasons for the past week, indicated that his resignation would take effect immediately upon submission to the President. He pledged to address queries from journalists following his resignation announcement at 1:30 pm on Tuesday.
Having previously practiced law at the high court, Gangopadhyay was appointed as an additional judge on May 2, 2018, and later elevated to the position of permanent judge on July 30, 2020.
