Agartala, 14th October 2026 : Normal functioning of the Gomati District and Sessions Court has remained severely disrupted for the past 13 days as members of the Gomati District Bar Association continue their pen-down strike, demanding the transfer of Judge Ravi Dhaiya. On Wednesday afternoon, the lawyers held a press conference and reiterated their allegations against the judge, stating that they would not withdraw the boycott until a new judge is appointed to the court.
During the press conference, the lawyers levelled several serious allegations against Judge Dhaiya, including alleged insulting behaviour towards members of the Bar Association and derogatory remarks directed at women lawyers. They claimed that the Bar Association’s secretary had allegedly been addressed as an “idiot” and a “slave” in open court. The protesting lawyers said such behaviour was unacceptable in an institution entrusted with upholding justice and maintaining the dignity of the judicial system.
Bar Association Secretary Sumanta Chakraborty said the matter had already been brought to the attention of the concerned authorities, including judges of the High Court and the Registrar General. However, she alleged that no effective solution had been reached so far.
Reiterating the association’s stand, Chakraborty said the lawyers would continue to boycott the district court until the present judge was transferred and a new judge appointed. The association remains firm in its demand despite the disruption caused by the prolonged agitation.
Apart from the alleged conduct of the judge, the lawyers also expressed dissatisfaction with several judicial decisions. According to them, objections had been raised over the rejection of applications seeking exemption from personal appearance on medical grounds, cancellation of bail and issuance of arrest warrants, among other matters.
The lawyers also alleged that a police constable had been asked to examine the face of the government public prosecutor. However, Judge Ravi Dhaiya’s response to these allegations was not available at the time of filing this report. The allegations remain those of the protesting lawyers.
The prolonged impasse has caused considerable hardship for litigants, many of whom have been visiting the court in the hope of securing bail, attending hearings or pursuing long-pending cases. People travelling from distant areas are reportedly facing additional expenses and losing working days without receiving the expected judicial services.
With the pen-down strike entering its 13th day, concerns are mounting over delays in court proceedings and the growing difficulties faced by ordinary people awaiting justice.
The situation has raised questions about how soon the authorities will intervene to resolve the dispute. While the lawyers are demanding an impartial examination of their allegations and the transfer of the present judge, an early resolution is essential to restore normal court proceedings and prevent further hardship for litigants.
The immediate challenge before the concerned authorities is to address the dispute and ensure that the functioning of the Gomati District and Sessions Court resumes without further delay.
