Mamata's slur on judges draws Oppn ire

Even as political parties and the legal community slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her controversial remarks that some courts deliver verdicts for money, the ruling Congress tread cautiously and exercised restraint in reacting to its mercurial ally.

“I do not know the context in which the statement was made, but I do believe that the independence of the judiciary should be protected,” Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid said.

During West Bengal Assembly’s platinum jubilee on Tuesday, Banerjee had said: “I know instances when judgements have been purchased and favourable verdicts have been given in return for money.”

Banerjee’s allegations invited scathing criticism from political and legal fraternity.
While BJP leader Balbir Punj described Banerjee’s outburst as unbecoming of a Chief Minister to make unsubstantiated allegations against a constitutional authority, CPM’s Mohammed Salim termed it a “tactic”  when “she is at the receiving end” inside the Assembly.

“She puts everyone on the firing line if they don’t fall in line with her. Naturally everybody has to succumb to the pressure,” Salim said.

Lawyers hit back

Banerjee came under attack from Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) as well.
“It is a serious allegation against the entire judiciary, which is very irresponsible, especially of a chief minister,” SCBA president Pravin Parekh said.

Eminent lawyers, including Soli Sorabji, Harish Salve and P P Rao, condemned Banerjee for her controversial statement.