High Drama in Jalpaiguri: Mamata Banerjee Slams Centre Over Withheld Funds in Presence of Union Law Minister

The inauguration of the new permanent building for the Calcutta High Court’s Circuit Bench in Jalpaiguri turned into a political battlefield today. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee used the high-profile stage to launch a direct attack on the Central government, accusing it of deliberately withholding funds for the state’s fast-track courts. The criticism was delivered in the immediate presence of Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

Direct Confrontation on Stage
The event, intended to celebrate a major infrastructure milestone for North Bengal, took an unexpected turn during the Chief Minister’s keynote address. Addressing Union Minister Meghwal directly, Banerjee expressed her grievance over “Central deprivation.”

“Please do not take it otherwise, but the Central government has stopped providing the financial assistance required for building and maintaining fast-track courts in West Bengal,” the Chief Minister stated. Despite the presence of top judicial and central officials, Banerjee emphasized that the state has been forced to shoulder the financial burden alone to ensure that the wheels of justice continue to turn.

Financial Stakes and Judicial Infrastructure
Banerjee highlighted that her government has already spent over ₹1,200 crore on developing judicial infrastructure across the state. She noted that West Bengal currently operates 88 fast-track courts, including:

52 courts dedicated to crimes against women.

7 POCSO courts for child protection.

19 human rights and labor courts.

The Chief Minister argued that the lack of central funding is hindering the state’s plan to expand this network further. The Union Law Minister, however, chose not to provide an immediate rebuttal during the ceremony, maintaining a diplomatic silence on the dais.

A Historic Milestone for North Bengal
Despite the political friction, the day marked a “historic milestone” for the people of North Bengal. The new Circuit Bench complex, built over 40.8 acres at a cost of approximately ₹500 crore, is a state-of-the-art facility. It features six courtrooms, 80 residential units for judges, and a dedicated bungalow for the Chief Justice.

Banerjee described the building as “even bigger than the original Calcutta High Court,” underscoring its importance in providing easier legal access to the residents of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar.

Appeal to the Judiciary
In a poignant conclusion to her speech, the Chief Minister turned to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, urging the judiciary to act as the “ultimate guardian” of the Constitution. She raised concerns about the “misuse of central agencies” and “media trials,” suggesting that the dignity of individuals is being tarnished before cases reach a verdict. “We are in your custody. The responsibility of saving democracy and constitutional values rests with the courts,” she added.