Agartala, January 20, 2026: The Tripura Bar Association has demanded the removal of Gautam Sarkar, President of the West Tripura Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, within three days, citing misconduct and loss of public confidence in the forum.

On Monday, a delegation of the Association met Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, formally submitting its demand. The lawyers also resolved to boycott all proceedings before Sarkar, a decision adopted in the Association’s General Body meeting held the same day.

Senior advocate Pijush Biswas told reporters that the Association had unanimously decided to withdraw participation from Sarkar’s court. He alleged that Sarkar’s record as a judicial officer was already questionable, with similar complaints surfacing during his earlier postings at Sonamura and Ambassa.

Biswas warned that if the government failed to act within three days, the Association would convene another meeting to decide further steps.

Advocate Arindam Bhattacharjee added that Sarkar’s conduct had affected not only advocates but also officers and staff of the Commission. He claimed that objections raised against Sarkar were often dismissed by him under the pretext of judicial authority. Bhattacharjee also recalled complaints from Sarkar’s tenure at Ambassa, questioning the criteria behind his appointment after retirement.

The Association’s grievances intensified after an incident on January 17, when members alleged that Sarkar presided over hearings under the influence of alcohol. Lawyers claimed they found him intoxicated inside his official chamber and attempted to inspect his belongings, which Sarkar resisted, citing medical conditions.

Meanwhile, Gautam Sarkar has lodged an FIR at NCC police station, alleging that the actions of the Bar Association amounted to an attempt to undermine judicial independence.