Chief Justice Manjula Chellur of Calcutta High Court said on Friday that the Mamata Banerjee government's action against syndicates had touched only the "tip of the iceberg" and that a no-holds-barred crackdown was essential to "stop syndicate hooliganism".
The division bench of Chief Justice Chellur and Justice Arijit Banerjee was hearing a public interest litigation by social activist Biplab Roy Chowdhury, seeking judicial intervention to insulate ordinary citizens from syndicates in Bengal.
Patronised by local political leaders, syndicates are known to supply materials and manpower at higher than market rates for lesser quality. They often disrupt work if someone refuses to comply.
Chief Justice Chellur said the state government had started taking steps against syndicates but needed to do much more. "Till date, the government has taken action in two or three such cases. It is the tip of the iceberg. Large-scale action is needed to stop syndicate hooliganism in the state."
She said every buyer should have the freedom to choose who to buy from. "Is this a joke? I have to buy something for Rs 25 when it actually costs Rs 10? It is my discretion what materials I will buy. Why should other people poke their noses in my personal matter?"
The division bench asked the state government to file an affidavit within three weeks, detailing the steps it has taken against syndicate raj.
"We appreciate the state government's recent move against the syndicate system. But the court should know what steps the government has taken," Chief Justice Chellur said.
A few months ago, Justice Dipankar Datta had told a state government lawyer: "Ask your police to take strong measures against syndicate raj. The situation is so alarming that members of syndicates are not even sparing Calcutta High Court. The court has been facing problems constructing buildings at Salt Lake and Asansol..."
In February, Metro highlighted how a school in the making for future judges in New Town had learnt the hard way that syndicates in Bengal know no law. Construction activity at the proposed West Bengal Judicial Academy had been suspended for months after workers were beaten up and materials stolen because the contractors refused to entertain syndicates.
Chief Justice Chellur said on Friday: "Common people are the worst sufferers.... Even some of my colleagues have been suffering. I am very much aware of the system. This system should not be allowed to continue."
Two arrested
Two alleged syndicate bosses - Jalaluddin Molla, 30, and Mojammel Mollah, 28 - were arrested on Friday afternoon. Jalaluddin has been arrested on the basis of a complaint lodged at New Town police station. Mojammel has been charged with illegal possession of firearms.
