Retired Judges Express Concerns Over Tribunal Setup in Kolkata
In Kolkata, several retired judges serving on appellate tribunals have reportedly voiced significant concerns regarding the operational readiness of these bodies. The issues were highlighted during a virtual training session held on Wednesday, casting doubt on when the tribunals will begin functioning effectively.
Virtual Training Session Highlights Infrastructure Gaps
A virtual training session was conducted for 19 retired judges through the Calcutta High Court, with Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and other senior judges in attendance. According to sources, the session commenced with Election Commission officials demonstrating a dedicated application. They informed the judges that all complaints and relevant documents had been uploaded to this app, and adjudication would be based solely on these digital records.
However, the session quickly turned contentious as a group of retired judges raised multiple concerns. They pointed out the absence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for conducting tribunal processes, which they deemed essential for smooth operations.
Infrastructure and Procedural Issues at Joka Office
The judges specifically questioned the adequacy of infrastructure at the SP Mookerjee Institute in Joka, the designated office for the tribunals. Some expressed doubts about whether basic facilities like tables and chairs were in place, with one official remarking, "Will the judges work sitting on the ground?" This highlighted the lack of preparedness at the physical location.
Additionally, procedural uncertainties were brought to light. Judges sought clarity on whether certain complaints, such as those involving Booth Level Officers failing to accept voter documents, would automatically qualify for adjudication. There were also arguments that voters should be given an opportunity to present their case before their names are permanently removed from electoral rolls, emphasizing the need for fair and transparent procedures.
EC Officials Struggle to Provide Answers
Sources indicated that the series of questions left Election Commission officials struggling to respond adequately. At one point, they reportedly contacted senior authorities within the EC for clarification, but no clear answers were forthcoming. This lack of response led to growing frustration among the retired judges.
During the session, several judges made it clear that unless these issues were addressed, the tribunals would not be able to function smoothly. A few others echoed similar sentiments, and eventually, at least three retired judges walked out of the virtual meeting in dissatisfaction, leading to its premature conclusion.
Uncertainty Over Tribunal Start Date
Earlier on Wednesday, EC counsel Dama Seshadri Naidu had informed the Supreme Court that training for retired judges was being conducted and that the tribunals would start working from Thursday. However, when Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal was later asked about this timeline, he expressed skepticism, citing the lack of basic infrastructure as a major hurdle. This contradiction has added to the uncertainty surrounding the operational commencement of the tribunals.
The concerns raised by the retired judges underscore significant challenges in the setup of appellate tribunals in Kolkata, with infrastructure gaps and procedural ambiguities needing urgent resolution to ensure effective functioning.
