A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Calcutta High Court requesting the modification of the judicial assignments of Justice Amrita Sinha to prevent her from hearing cases related to police actions. This petition stems from allegations that Justice Sinha’s husband, Pratap Chandra Dey, has been exerting undue influence on investigations involving his clients and has improperly intervened in legal proceedings.
Background and Allegations
Pratap Chandra Dey, a senior advocate, is accused of using his influence to impact the investigation of two criminal cases involving a property dispute. The complainants, a 64-year-old widow and her daughter, have claimed that Dey, leveraging his position as the husband of Justice Sinha, interfered with the criminal investigations. These cases involve severe allegations such as criminal conspiracy, cheating, and attempts to oust the complainants from their ancestral property【116†source】【117†source】【118†source】.
Judicial and Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court of India has taken note of these allegations and directed the West Bengal Crime Investigation Department (CID) to conduct the investigation impartially and without any external pressure. The court has asked the West Bengal government to file a status report on the investigation in a sealed cover by the next hearing date【116†source】【118†source】.
The Calcutta High Court’s response to this situation has been to question the necessity of repeatedly summoning Dey, as raised by Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay. This highlights the ongoing scrutiny and pressure on the judiciary to ensure fair investigations and legal processes【119†source】.
Implications and Next Steps
The PIL seeks to ensure that Justice Sinha does not hear cases related to police actions, aiming to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or undue influence. This case underscores the judiciary’s responsibility to maintain impartiality and uphold the integrity of legal proceedings, especially when familial connections could potentially impact judicial decisions.
The ongoing investigations and the Supreme Court’s oversight are crucial in determining the next steps in this legal and judicial matter. The outcome of these proceedings will likely set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future, ensuring transparency and fairness within the judicial system.