Serious allegations have been raised against Gautam Sarkar, a retired judicial officer presently serving as the President of the West Tripura District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Members of the local Bar Association have accused him of conducting official hearings under the influence of alcohol and of misbehaving with advocates and office staff, triggering protests and demands for his immediate removal.
Several advocates, including women lawyers, alleged that Sarkar routinely carried liquor bottles in his bag and consumed alcohol during office hours. One woman advocate has reportedly submitted a written complaint accusing him of using abusive language and physically assaulting her. According to the advocates, no action has been taken on the complaint so far, further intensifying discontent within the legal fraternity.
Members of the Bar Association claimed that they frequently noticed the smell of alcohol during court proceedings and alleged that Sarkar used unparliamentary and abusive language while presiding over hearings. An advocate stated that the conduct raised serious concerns of professional misconduct and moral turpitude, adversely affecting the dignity of the institution.
Office staff have also levelled allegations of intimidation and harassment, claiming that Sarkar often shouted at employees and verbally abused them. One staff member alleged that colleagues felt unsafe when he allegedly consumed alcohol inside his official chamber.
In protest, the Bar Association has collectively decided to abstain from appearing before the commission and has demanded Sarkar’s immediate removal from the post. Advocates warned that they would continue their boycott of proceedings until appropriate action is taken by the authorities. “Unless he is removed, we will not participate in hearings,” an advocate said.
Responding to the allegations, Sarkar categorically denied all charges, describing them as false and baseless. He claimed he was being collectively harassed and cited his medical history, including bypass surgery and cancer surgery on his neck. “I am not a mad person. I do not know why these allegations are being made,” he said.
As of now, no official response has been issued by the concerned authorities regarding the complaints or the demand for his removal.
