Tripura Bar Association Boycotts West Tripura Consumer Court Over Allegations Against President Gautam Sarkar

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, January 18, 2026

In a significant development that has shaken the state’s legal fraternity, the Tripura Bar Association has decided that, for the time being, no practicing advocates under its banner will appear before the West Tripura District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, where retired judge Gautam Sarkar is serving as President.

Confirming the decision, Tripura Bar Association Secretary Kaushik Indu told the media that the boycott decision was taken in view of the serious allegations levelled against Gautam Sarkar. He further informed that a crucial meeting of the Bar will be held tomorrow in the presence of all senior members of the Association to deliberate in detail on what has now come to be widely referred to as the Gautam Sarkar issue. The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine the Bar’s future course of action.

The controversy erupted following grave allegations from both court staff and lawyers of the West Tripura Consumer Court, who have accused Gautam Sarkar of regularly attending office in an intoxicated condition. According to staff members, Sarkar allegedly comes to the court premises under the influence of alcohol almost every day and frequently behaves in an inappropriate and objectionable manner, creating a hostile and unhealthy work environment.

Tensions escalated on Tuesday when advocates practicing before the Consumer Court joined the staff in open protest, demanding his immediate removal from the post. Lawyers alleged that Sarkar not only appears intoxicated during court hours but also consumes alcohol inside his chamber before presiding over court proceedings. The situation reportedly led to complete disorder within the court premises.

Following the unrest, personnel from NCC Police Station rushed to the spot to control the situation and assess the prevailing law and order condition. The incident caused widespread concern among litigants and the general public, many of whom witnessed the chaos inside a forum meant for consumer justice.

Members of the legal fraternity expressed serious concern, stating that such conduct, if true, gravely undermines the dignity of the judiciary and erodes public confidence in the justice delivery system. Court staff claimed that the situation had been tolerated for a long time, but persistent misconduct finally forced them to raise their voice collectively.

Gautam Sarkar, a retired judicial officer, had earlier served in higher judicial positions, which has further intensified public debate. Sections of civil society have begun questioning the propriety of allowing a person facing such allegations to continue in a quasi-judicial role. Some have even demanded a review of his past service record, should the allegations be found credible, although no official inquiry has yet been announced.

Several lawyers and civil society members have urged the state government to act swiftly by removing Sarkar from the post and instituting a thorough and impartial inquiry into the allegations. As of the time of filing this report, neither Gautam Sarkar nor the state government has issued any official response.

The episode has triggered a wider debate in Tripura on judicial accountability, discipline, and ethical standards in public offices. It has also raised an uncomfortable but pressing question among citizens and the legal community alike, is this the standard of governance and justice delivery expected in a state aspiring towards the vision of a New Tripura?

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