Calcutta High Court’s Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay announced his resignation from the esteemed position on Sunday, with reports swirling about a potential foray into politics. Justice Gangopadhyay, presently serving as a judge in the Calcutta High Court, revealed his decision, indicating that his resignation letter would be addressed to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, TS Sivagnanam.
While speculation mounts about his political aspirations, Justice Gangopadhyay chose to remain tight-lipped when approached by journalists.
“I will resign from the post of Justice of Calcutta High Court on Tuesday…I will send my resignation letter to the President of India and a copy of the letter to the Chief Justice of India and Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. I do not want to say anything further on this today. I will speak,” stated Justice Gangopadhyay outside his residence, hinting at a future press interaction post-resignation.
Understanding Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s Journey
Born in 1962 in Kolkata, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay has had a multifaceted career path before his judicial tenure. Educated in Mitra Institution (Main) and later graduating from Hazra Law College, Gangopadhyay’s journey saw him initially serving as a West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) A-grade officer in North Dinajpur. Subsequently, he transitioned into legal practice, becoming a state advocate in the Calcutta High Court.
His elevation to the bench as an additional judge in 2018, followed by a permanent judge appointment in 2020, marked significant milestones in his career trajectory.
Legal Legacy and Political Stir
Justice Gangopadhyay’s tenure on the bench has been marked by several notable rulings, especially in education-related matters, which have often stirred political discourse. Notably, his involvement in cases such as the multi-crore teachers’ recruitment scam in West Bengal garnered significant attention. His directives urging investigations by agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) into allegations of irregularities in teaching and non-teaching staff recruitment processes in state-sponsored and aided schools sparked debates and discussions across the political spectrum.
As Justice Gangopadhyay prepares to step down from his judicial responsibilities, speculations surrounding his potential entry into the political arena continue to captivate public interest, marking a significant juncture in his career trajectory.
