Justice Ganguly case: Sibal puts onus of action on SC

With details of affidavit filed by the intern in molestation case becoming public, Law Minister Kapil Sibal virtually put the onus of action against Justice A K Ganguly on the Supreme Court amid demands for filing of a case against him and resignation as head of West Bengal Human Rights Commission.

"Waiting to see when and how the Supreme Court rises to the occasion to deal with Justice Ganguly," Sibal tweeted.

Talking to reporters outside Parliament House later, he expressed hope that the apex court would act on the issue as soon as possible.

"We have faith that Supreme Court will take the strictest possible action for women's security whoever may be the person -- be it the retired judge of Supreme Court or anybody else," the law minister said.  

Ganguly, former Supreme Court Judge, had been indicted by a three-judge committee of the apex court for "unwelcome behaviour" and "conduct of sexual nature" towards the woman law intern.

The Supreme Court, however, made it clear that no further follow up action is required by it in view of the fact that Justice Ganguly had demitted office before the date of the incident-- December 24 last year.

Ganguly has strongly denied the allegations against him.

BJP leader Arun Jaitley said Ganguly should relinquish the office of WB Human Rights Commission chief.

"It is not an untested allegation...To protect the dignity of his office, he should quit," Jaitley said.

CPI leader D Raja also said Justice Ganguly should quit the post and contended that since he had retired, he could be proceeded against.

"It is better to uphold judicial prudence and the values in public life. Mr Ganguly has to go," he said.

Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal said law must be equal for all. "Why cannot a case be filed against him, if cases against politicians and journalists can be filed?" he asked.

The allegation against Justice Ganguly was raised in Parliament on Friday with BJP and Trinamool Congress demanding his removal as WBHRC chairman, saying on ethical grounds he should have resigned by now.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had chosen Justice Ganguly as the WBHRC Chairman after coming in 2011, has written twice to President Pranab Mukherjee seeking strong action against the former judge.