The Calcutta High Court on Monday reminded a District Magistrate that his official duty lies in the service of citizens while encouraging him to be clear of politically motivated arbitrariness.
The Division Bench of Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya was hearing a petition filed by Biswanath Chowdhury alleging that a law college was established in another educational institute in contravention of Bar Council of India norms.
Advocates Debasish Kundu, Srijib Chakraborty, Amitayu Kundu and Suryaneel Das for the petitioner argued that an educational institute conferring Bachelor of Education degrees was functioning in the Cooch-Behar University where the law college was supposed to function. The board of a law college was set up outside the school, claimed the petitioner.
Considering the fact, the Court ordered the District Magistrate to visit the premises and conduct an investigation. When the District Magistrate failed to conduct an investigation and file a report in terms of the Court’s order, the Court instituted suo motu contempt proceedings against the District Magistrate.
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The District Magistrate tendered an unqualified apology in Court as well as a report prepared in terms of the Court’s order. On being satisfied with the report, the bench wished him well and dropped the contempt proceedings. The matter is fixed for December 21 for further hearing.