The Calcutta High Court on Friday issued a rule of contempt against IPS officer Mr. Vishal Garg (1999 batch) and six other police officers in connection with “untoward incidents” that occurred at the Howrah Sadar court premises on April 24, 2024.
A division bench comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Arindam Mukherjee observed in its order that there were allegations of police entering the court premises without authority and using disproportionate force. The court noted that such actions not only caused loss and damage to advocates practicing at the court but also constituted interference with the administration of justice.
The bench ordered initiation of criminal contempt proceedings and stated, “Contempt rule is made returnable on June 25, 2025.”
Advocate Jayanta Mitra, representing the lawyers of the Howrah district court, alleged that Mr. Vishal Garg, then Commissioner of Police in Howrah, led the operation in which police entered the court premises without necessary permissions. The officers named in the proceedings have been directed to personally appear and respond to the showcause notice by July 25, 2025.
