The Calcutta High Court on Friday issued contempt notices against IPS officer Vishal Garg (1999 batch) and six other police officials in connection with the alleged misconduct at the Howrah Sadar court premises on April 24, 2024.
A division bench comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Arindam Mukherjee observed that there were serious allegations of police personnel entering court premises without authorization and using excessive force. The court stated that such actions disrupted judicial proceedings and harmed practicing advocates, thereby amounting to interference with the administration of justice.
The bench ordered the initiation of criminal contempt proceedings, making the rule returnable on June 25, 2025.
Senior Advocate Jayanta Mitra, appearing on behalf of the Howrah Bar Association, submitted that Mr. Vishal Garg—then serving as Commissioner of Police, Howrah—led the operation during which police allegedly entered the court complex without prior permission.
All seven officers named in the case have been directed to appear in person and respond to the showcause notice by July 25, 2025.
