Agartala: Proceedings at the West Tripura District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission were disrupted on Saturday after advocates and office staff demanded the removal of its president, Gautam Sarkar, a retired judicial officer, accusing him of moral turpitude, misconduct and conducting hearings under the influence of alcohol.
Members of the local Bar Association, along with clerical staff, alleged that Sarkar frequently misbehaved with lawyers and employees during proceedings and harassed junior advocates and staff. According to them, his conduct has adversely affected the functioning of the consumer court and created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Several advocates, including women lawyers, further alleged that Sarkar consumed alcohol during office hours and remained under its influence while presiding over hearings. They claimed liquor bottles were often seen in his possession and that the smell of alcohol was noticeable during court proceedings. Female staff members also alleged that Sarkar consumed alcohol inside his official chamber, which they said amounted to a violation of service norms and conduct rules.
In a serious allegation, a female advocate lodged a written complaint accusing Sarkar of using abusive and unparliamentary language and physically assaulting her. Members of the Bar Association said that despite repeated representations to the authorities, no action has been taken on the complaint so far.
Office staff echoed similar allegations, claiming Sarkar frequently shouted at and verbally abused employees. They alleged that staff members felt unsafe interacting with him, particularly when he was under the influence of alcohol, and said his behaviour repeatedly disrupted routine work and court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Bar Association said advocates had collectively protested against Sarkar’s conduct and demanded his immediate removal from the post. Lawyers also warned that they would abstain from participating in proceedings of the consumer commission until corrective action was taken by the authorities.
Tension escalated further when a group of advocates and office staff entered Sarkar’s chamber and demanded that his carry bag be checked publicly, alleging it contained liquor bottles. Sarkar, however, refused to allow the bag to be checked in the presence of media persons and accused the advocates and staff of attempting to humiliate him.
Responding to the allegations, Sarkar denied all charges, describing them as false, baseless and motivated. He said he was being collectively harassed by lawyers and staff and asserted that he was fully aware of the rules and regulations governing his office. He also denied consuming alcohol inside his chamber or during office hours.
Sarkar cited his medical condition in his defence, stating that he had undergone bypass surgery and cancer surgery on his neck. He alleged that the conduct of the protesting advocates and staff amounted to harassment of an ailing person.
No official statement has been issued so far by the state government or competent authorities regarding the allegations or the demand for Sarkar’s removal.