The Bar Association of the High Court at Calcutta has unanimously resolved to suspend a member of the Bar from its membership following allegations of his involvement in a violent attack on judicial officers in Malda. The Association also announced its intention to initiate expulsion proceedings and has requested the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enroll the advocate.
The decision was taken during an urgent General Body meeting held on April 6, 2026, in response to a “cowardly and dastardly attack” on the judiciary that reportedly occurred on April 1, 2026, at Kaliachak, Malda.
The Incident
According to the resolution, seven judicial officers, including three female members, were held hostage for approximately nine hours, from 1:00 AM until midnight. The Association described the event as “extreme hooliganism and harassment” triggered by “active provocative statements” made by a member of the Bar during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, carried out under the “garb of protest.”
The members of the legal fraternity expressed that they are “excruciatingly perturbed” by the visuals and news of the attack, which they characterized as a “staid terror message promulgated all over the state of West Bengal.”
Criticism of Police Administration
The resolution took a sharp tone against the local authorities, stating that the police administration “acted like a mere spectator” and allowed the “barbarism and unchecked hooliganism” to continue for nine hours without intervention.
Action Against Errant Member
The Association specifically named Advocate Mofakkerul Islam as the “principal perpetrator” behind the criminal acts and instigation.
“Under the circumstances we, the members of the Bar Association High Court, Calcutta unequivocally condemn such cowardly and dastardly acts… and therefore unanimously resolve to SUSPEND said Advocate Mofakkerul Islam from the membership of this esteemed Bar Association… till the criminal proceeding concludes,” the resolution stated.
Future Course of Action
Beyond the immediate suspension, the Bar Association has signaled further disciplinary measures:
- Expulsion: Commencement of disciplinary proceedings for the permanent expulsion of the “errant member.”
- De-enrollment: A formal request to the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enroll the advocate, citing that his actions are against the “ethos of a Learned Advocate.”
The resolution was signed by the Honorary Secretary of the Bar Association, High Court, Calcutta.
