Kolkata, 12 October (H.S.) : Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge has written to district judges proposing a ban on the consumption of cigarettes, paan and gutkha in all court complexes across West Bengal, and has also proposed metal detector screening at their entry points. He disclosed the proposals on Monday during a hearing in the case over the attack on advocate Sayan Bandyopadhyay at the Baruipur court, and has sought the cooperation of bar associations in implementing them.

The Chief Justice has suggested that the Bar Council and bar associations meet and arrive at a decision by mutual consent. If that decision is communicated to him in writing, guidelines will be issued for metal detector checks at the entrance of every court.

During the hearing, advocates present in court also suggested setting up a designated smoking zone within the court premises.

The case concerns the attack on Bandyopadhyay at the Baruipur court. It is alleged that the police have so far not recorded the statement of the injured advocate.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 11, when the state government will have to submit a report on the progress of the investigation into the Baruipur court incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh