CJI slams contempt plea against Mamata Banerjee, says ‘Don’t politicise the Court’

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred the hearing of a contempt petition filed against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her remarks following the court's April 3 verdict cancelling 26,000 school jobs in the state. The petition, filed by an organisation named ‘Atmadeep’, alleges that Banerjee made comments during a press conference that amounted to contempt of court. The petitioner submitted the English translation of her remarks to the court and accused her of making statements against the verdict and the judges involved.

The case was heard by a bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, with Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria. During the hearing, petitioner’s advocate Ayush Anand informed the bench that they had applied for the Attorney General's consent and sought adjournment. Responding to this, CJI B.R. Gavai said, “Are you sure you will get permission? Do not try to politicise the court. Take your political fight elsewhere.”

The contempt petition stems from the Supreme Court’s judgment on April 3, in which a bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar ordered the cancellation of 26,000 appointments made through the West Bengal School Service Commission. The court found irregularities in the recruitment process and annulled the appointments of teachers and non-teaching staff.

The contempt plea was officially filed on April 24. According to court records, supporting documents and related material were submitted by the petitioner on July 20. The bench has listed the matter for further hearing after four weeks.