Former Bengal Minister Faces Judicial Warning Over Court Absence
In a significant development, a special Enforcement Directorate court judge issued a stern warning to former West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee on Wednesday, indicating that his bail could be revoked if he continues to skip court appearances in the high-profile "cash-for-jobs scam" case.
While all other accused individuals appeared before the special ED court as required, Chatterjee remained conspicuously absent, with his legal counsel submitting that health issues prevented his attendance.
Judge Questions Health Excuse, Demands Personal Appearance
Judge Suvendu Saha expressed skepticism about Chatterjee's health justification, pointedly asking, "The doctors did not advise bed rest, then why is he absent? He must appear before the lower court." The judicial officer emphasized that despite Chatterjee having secured bail from higher courts, his court retains the authority to cancel it.
Following this strong judicial rebuke, Chatterjee's legal team assured the court that the former minister would personally attend the next scheduled hearing. The confrontation occurred during proceedings related to the West Bengal School Service Commission recruitment scandal that allegedly occurred during Chatterjee's tenure as education minister from 2014 to 2021.
Political Comeback Plans Amid Legal Troubles
Despite his legal challenges, sources close to the suspended Trinamool Congress leader reveal that Chatterjee has been actively planning a swift return to mainstream politics. The former minister, who continues to hold his position as an MLA, has formally written to West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee seeking information about the next legislative session.
Confirming the communication, Speaker Banerjee told media representatives, "Yes, I have received a letter from Partha Chatterjee regarding when the next session of the Assembly is. He will be informed in time, just like the other MLAs. He will also be getting the privileges which the other MLAs get."
Chatterjee has also announced intentions to visit his constituency and engage with local residents following his release on bail on November 11. The Enforcement Directorate initially arrested the politician in July 2022 as part of their money laundering investigation connected to the widespread school service commission recruitment scandal.
The case continues to develop as legal proceedings advance, with the next court appearance potentially determining whether Chatterjee maintains his conditional freedom or faces renewed detention.
