NEW DELHI: Law Minister Kapil Sibal today said he was waiting to see when Supreme Court “rises to the occasion” to deal with the issue of Justice A K Ganguly even as pressure mounts on the former Supreme Court judge, indicted in a sexual harassment case, to step down as head of West Bengal human rights panel.
“Waiting to see when and how the Supreme Court rises to the occasion to deal with Justice Ganguly,” Sibal tweeted.
His remarks on the microblogging site came days after he questioned the decision of the apex court not to take further action against Justice Ganguly just because he has retired, saying the issue cannot be “brushed under the carpet”.
“I am a little disappointed because the institution which has found that sexual overtures were made, was to have taken the matter forward,” he had told reporters here.
A three-judge committee of the apex court has indicted Justice Ganguly for “unwelcome behavior” and “conduct of sexual nature” towards a woman law intern.
Justice Ganguly, who retired from the apex court more than a year ago and currently heads the West Bengal Human Rights Commission, was accused by the intern of sexually harassing her in a hotel room in Delhi last year. He has strongly denied the charge.
The allegation against Justice Ganguly was raised in Parliament on Friday with BJP and Trinamool Congress demanding his removal as WBHRC Chairman, saying on ethical grounds he should have resigned by now.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had chosen Justice Ganguly as the WBHRC Chairman after coming in 2011, has written twice to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking strong action against the former judge. Talking to reporters outside Parliament House, Sibal expressed hope that the apex court would act on the issue as soon as possible.
“We have faith that Supreme Court will take the strictest possible action for women’s security whoever may be the person — be it the retired judge of Supreme Court or anybody else,” the Law Minister said.
Meanwhile, CPI leader D Raja said Justice Ganguly should quit the post.
He told reporters that Justice Ganguly was retired judge now and that he could be proceeded against.
“It is better to uphold judicial prudence and the values in public life. Mr Ganguly has to go,” he said.
Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal said law must be equal for all. “Why cannot a case be filed against him, if cases against politicians and journalists can be filed?” he asked. -PTI
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