Retired justice A K Ganguly, who was recently found guilty of sexually harassing a law intern by a committee by the Supreme Court, refused to resign from his present office as chairman of the West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC).
The retired Supreme Court judge told reporters in Kolkata on Tuesday that he will not resign. He told reporters: "I'll not answer any question from you. I'll do whatever I have to."
Justice Ganguly, who has reportedly not attended office since last Thursday, after the apex court-appointed panel revealed there was evidence of "unwanted conduct of a sexual nature" by him towards the intern.
He also skipped an annual event organised by the WBHRC on the occasion of Human Rights Day on December 10.
Adding a fresh twist to the whole controversy West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rejected an invitation to be the chief guest at the WBHCR programme. She has already asked President Pranab Mukherjee to remove the former judge.
Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien tweeted on Tuesday morning, "It would be apt if Justice Ganguly chose the UN Human Rights Day to step down and cleanse his office. Violators can't be guardians."
Somnath Chatterjee, former Lok Sabha Speaker, sowever came out in Justice Ganguly's support. "I've full faith in him. If there is a proof, the country will punish him. Only after proof," he said, adding that the Supreme Court panel's action was "overzealous".
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks