Calcutta High Court Bar Association Suspends Lawyer Over Attack On Judicial Officers In Malda; Calls For De-Enrolment

In an urgent General Body Meeting held on April 6, 2026, the Bar Association of the Calcutta High Court unanimously passed a strongly-worded resolution condemning the “cowardly and dastardly attack on the judiciary” at Malda's Kaliachak on the night of April 1, 2026, where seven judicial officers — including three women — were allegedly held hostage for nearly nine hours.

The Association expressed deep anguish over the “disturbing visuals” and the “obnoxious criminal acts” perpetrated during the incident, which reportedly occurred during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. According to the resolution, the violent acts were “instigated by active vocative statements made by a certain member of the Bar.”

The members recorded their shock that the police administration allegedly remained passive during the episode. The resolution states:

“We are apprised of the fact that police administration has acted like a mere spectator and allowed such barbarism and unchecked hooliganism to be continued for about 9 hours.”

The Bar Association noted that Advocate Mofakkerul Islam, a member of the Calcutta High Court Bar Association, has been named as a “principal perpetrator” in the events at Malda. Taking an unprecedented step, the Association unanimously resolved to suspend him from membership pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

“We… unanimously resolve to suspend said Advocate Mofakkerul Islam… till the criminal proceeding concludes.”

In addition to the suspension, the Association signalled further disciplinary action. It announced that it will initiate internal proceedings for expulsion, and will also request the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enrol the said advocate.

“We shall request the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enroll this errant advocate for his criminal acts which is against the ethos of a learned advocate.”

The resolution repeatedly underscored the seriousness of the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to spread “a staid terror message” across West Bengal. The Association said the legal fraternity “cannot remain unruffled” in the face of such acts targeting the judiciary.