Sourendra Nath Dutta v. Union Of India And ORS.

26.02.2024 Item No. 34 Ct. No. 238 AKG WPA 12034 of 2023 Sourendra Nath Dutt Vs.

The Union of India & Ors.

Mr. Subhendu Banerjee ...for the Petitioner Respondent No. 2 is not represented.

Learned advocate appearing for the petitioner, however, has made over a copy of the report affirmed by respondent no. 2 to this Court. Let the same be kept with the records.

The petitioner challenges cancellation of his membership of National Library, Alipore, Kolkata. It appears that the said Library received various complaints from many members including some female readers against the petitioner.

The relevant committee of the National Library constituted an enquiry committee to decide the issue and ultimately, took a decision on July 12, 2022 to cancel the library membership of the petitioner. The petitioner again made a representation on September 29, 2022 to give him an opportunity of hearing. Following which, again an enquiry committee was constituted to enquire into the allegations afresh. All the complainants appeared before the enquiry committee on December 20, 2022 and ventilated their

grievances.

The petitioner was given repeated opportunity to appear before the committee. He also appeared before the said committee through virtual mode on January 17, 2023. The enquiry committee concluded the proceeding.

A duly constituted committee provided an adequate opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and took a decision against him. The petitioner could not demonstrate any violation of provisions of law in conducting the enquiry.

I am of the view that a domestic enquiry of this nature should not be interfered by this Court. The allegation of not being heard by the committee is without any substance.

Accordingly, WPA 12034 of 2023 is dismissed.

Urgent Photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with the requisite formalities.

(Kausik Chanda, J.)