In an unprecedented development in the state, a retired Grade-I judicial officer serving as a Consumer Court judge has been removed from office. Such an action has no prior precedent in Tripura. The removal follows sustained protests by lawyers and a government inquiry that found charges of misconduct and abuse of official position to be proven.
The officer concerned, Gautam Sarkar, was serving as President of the West Tripura District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The order for his immediate removal was issued on February 12 by the state government’s Additional Secretary and made public on Monday.
The action came after serious allegations surfaced that the judge frequently attended court in an inebriated condition, behaved inappropriately with lawyers and court staff, and misused the dignity of his office. Following a written complaint by a court employee, the government conducted a preliminary examination and then ordered a full-fledged inquiry under the Consumer Protection Rules, 2020.
According to the government order, the inquiry was carried out under Rule 9 of the 2020 Rules. After examining the investigation report, the written statement of the accused, and all supporting documents, the state invoked its powers under Rule 8 and directed his removal with immediate effect. The government stated that each allegation was independently analysed and found to be substantiated.
The controversy had triggered widespread outrage within the legal fraternity. Members of the Tripura Bar Association held multiple meetings and demanded his removal. Lawyers had also announced a boycott of the consumer court until action was taken. The issue was formally raised before Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, following which pressure mounted on the administration.
There were also dramatic scenes inside the consumer court when, in the presence of lawyers, court staff reportedly attempted to check the judge’s bag to verify allegations of alcohol consumption. Subsequently, Gautam Sarkar filed a police complaint at NCC Police Station against the lawyers.
While the removal order has now been issued, the state government has not yet announced who will be appointed as the next President of the West Tripura District Consumer Court. Officials have maintained that the decision was taken strictly on the basis of proven charges and in accordance with the law, marking a first-of-its-kind disciplinary action in Tripura.
