Kolkata police commissioner appears before HC in contempt case

Commissioner of Kolkata Police Rajeev Kumar today appeared before the Calcutta High Court in connection with a suo motu contempt notice issued by it for not complying with its order and asked him to file a detailed affidavit giving reasons for his failure.
Justice Joymalyo Bagchi, who had issued the contempt rule against the commissioner, directed Kumar to file an affidavit stating reasons for not having complied with his order relating to an application of permission for holding of an RSS rally that was to be attended by its supremo Mohan Bhagwat.
The commissioner was directed to file a detailed affidavit within two weeks stating reasons for not having complied with the court's order.

Appearing for the commissioner, state Advocate General Jayanta Mitra submitted that Kumar had overseen the process of considering the application as directed by the court, but owing to his pressing engagements, a joint commissioner of police had made the communication to the organisers of the rally.
Passing the order, Justice Bagchi observed that if senior officers fail to uphold the honour of the judiciary, then how would subordinate officers learn to obey the court's orders.
Justice Bagchi had on January 11 directed the commissioner of Kolkata Police to consider the application of RSS for permission to hold a function at Bhukailash Park or at Brigade Parade Ground within 24 hours and communicate the decision to the organisers.

The decision of not to allow the programme, scheduled to be held on January 14, was, however, communicated by a joint commissioner of police.

Expressing his displeasure, Justice Bagchi had on January 13 said the rules of business of the state do not override or abrogate the court's order.
Holding that it was a wilful and deliberate act, he had suo motu issued contempt notice against the commissioner.
Justice Bagchi had also permitted the RSS programme at Brigade Parade Ground, but with certain restrictions.