Agartala, May 27, 2026: The Tripura High Court has quashed the removal order issued against Gautam Sarkar, former President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), West Tripura, holding that the action was taken without adhering to due process and the principles of natural justice.

A division bench comprising Justice T. Amarnath Goud and Justice S. Datta Purkayastha passed the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Gautam Sarkar challenging the legality of the inquiry proceedings initiated against him. The court directed the concerned authorities to issue a fresh show-cause notice, consider his reply and thereafter pass a reasoned order in accordance with law. However, the bench clarified that Sarkar would not function as President of the DCDRC during the intervening period.

According to court records, Gautam Sarkar was appointed President of the DCDRC, West Tripura on April 10, 2025. Following complaints and allegations, an inquiry was initiated under the Consumer Protection Rules, 2020, which eventually led to a notification dated February 12, 2026 removing him from office.

Appearing for the petitioner, advocate Megha Sarkar argued that the inquiry violated statutory procedures under the Consumer Protection Act and Rules 8 and 9 of the 2020 Rules. She contended that copies of complaints, witness statements and inquiry materials were never furnished to the petitioner, depriving him of an effective opportunity to defend himself.

The State respondents were represented by Government Advocate Kohinoor N. Bhattacharya and Additional Government Advocate Mangal Debbarma.