Calcutta HC Judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay Resigns; Likely To Contest Lok Sabha Polls

Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay has resigned from his position as a judge of the Calcutta High Court. He had already informed President Droupadi Murmu about his decision and intended to have a “courtesy visit” with Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam later in the day.

Arriving at his chamber at the High Court in the morning, Gangopadhyay subsequently submitted his resignation letter. There has been speculation that he may contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Bengal’s Tamluk constituency on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. Tamluk has historically been a stronghold of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

Gangopadhyay, known for his rulings on various education-related matters in the state, hinted at a possible entry into politics, expressing his desire to serve the public and stating that it was a matter of conscience for him.

He mentioned, “For the last two or more years I have been dealing with soFor the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed. A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government are now languishing in jail, under trial.”

Regarding his resignation, Gangopadhyay emphasized that it was a call of his conscience and affirmed his commitment to working for the welfare of the public. However, he refrained from confirming any affiliation with a political party at the moment.

Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay had joined the High Court in 2018. His retirement was due in the following five months, in August 2024.

In February, the Supreme Court addressed a plea by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee concerning Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay’s alleged politically motivated interviews regarding sub-judice cases taking strong objection to his actions.