Extremely disappointed with handling of ex-Justice Ganguly case: Sibal

New Delhi – Communication and Information Technology Minister Kapil Sibal said on Friday that he is extremely disappointed with the handling of the sexual harassment case against former Supreme Court Justice A K Ganguly.

Sibal’s reaction came in response to Chief Justice P Sathasivam’s closing of the case, saying the apex court could do little against a retired judge administratively.

“If he was no longer a judge, they should not have set up an enquiry. After coming to a conclusion, they cannot give this reason. I was hoping they would take the matter on the judicial side and treat it like any other case. I am deeply disappointed in the way they have dealt with the matter,” said Sibal.

Social Activist and retired IPS officer Kiran Bedi said police should record the statement of the law intern immediately.

“It is very important for the Delhi Police to contact the intern and record her statement and see, how confident she is about her side of the story,” said Bedi.

Trinamool Congress Party leader Derek’O Brien said Mr. Ganguly should resign immediately from the West Bengal Human Rights Commission.

“I had urged Mr. Ganguly to resign from the West Bengal Human Rights Commission a few days ago. Now, that the three judges have given him the same counsel, he should resign. He should listen to what the judges and others are saying,” said Brien.

The intern’s allegations against Justice Ganguly created a media furor with female lawyers and activists calling for the country’s top court to investigate the incident.

A committee of three judges of the Supreme Court has indicted Ganguly for ‘unwelcome behaviour’ and ‘conduct of sexual nature’ towards a woman law intern, prompting demands that action under criminal law should be initiated against him.

It is the first time that the Supreme Court has set up an internal inquiry into sexual harassment allegations against a former judge.