Anit Thapa Raises Urgent Concern Over Judicial Officer’s Return Amidst Language Row in Darjeeling

KalimNews, Darjeeling, Sept 12, 2025 : Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Chief Executive Anit Thapa has raised serious concerns over the return of Judicial Magistrate Alakananda Sarkar to Mungpoo Court in Darjeeling district, despite previous assurances that she would be transferred following a controversy over alleged derogatory remarks about the Nepali language.

According to Thapa, the General Secretary of the Darjeeling Bar Association, Dinesh Chandra Rai, along with a delegation, submitted a memorandum to him informing that Sarkar had resumed duties at the Mungpoo Court. The Bar Association has strongly objected to her reinstatement, claiming it goes against assurances made earlier this year after widespread protests.

The controversy stems from an incident in which Magistrate Sarkar allegedly told junior lawyers not to speak in Nepali in the courtroom, reportedly saying that it is “a language of Nepal.” This comment was widely condemned as disrespectful to the linguistic and cultural identity of the Nepali-speaking community in the region. The Darjeeling Bar Association staged a two-day cease work in protest.

Following the uproar, Thapa had written to the state’s Judicial Department, prompting a meeting facilitated by the District Judge of Darjeeling. It was agreed that Sarkar would issue a written apology and would be transferred out of Mungpoo to de-escalate tensions. While she did submit a written apology, the transfer did not materialize as expected.

In light of recent developments, Thapa met with the Minister-in-Charge of the Judicial Department, Malay Ghatak, in Kolkata and officially submitted a fresh memorandum. He reported that the minister took the matter seriously and immediately spoke to Dinesh Chandra Rai over the phone for more details.

In his written communication to the state government, Thapa highlighted the potential consequences of Sarkar's return, stating that it may disrupt the judicial process and increase tensions in the region. He emphasized that the GTA is committed to maintaining communal harmony and ensuring the proper functioning of legal institutions in the hills.

A resolution passed by the Darjeeling Bar Association, dated September 10, 2025, confirms that Sarkar has resumed her duties at Mungpoo Court. In response, the Association has unanimously decided to boycott all courts under the Darjeeling District Court, including the Judicial Magistrate Court at Mungpoo and the Sessions Court in Darjeeling, until their demand for her removal is met.

Thapa, in his letter to the Judicial Department, urged immediate intervention to honor the assurances given earlier. He warned that failure to act swiftly could further delay access to justice and fuel unrest. The GTA, he said, believes that addressing this issue urgently is essential to restore normalcy and maintain public confidence in the justice system.