Trinamool Congress hails Justice Madhav Jamdar’s ruling, calls it strong affirmation of constitutional freedoms

The Trinamool Congress on Friday threw its weight behind Bombay High Court judge Justice Madhav Jamdar following his landmark ruling quashing a one-year externment order against political activist Saeed Ahmad Abdul Wahid Chaudhary, with the party describing the judgment as a reaffirmation of constitutional liberties and judicial independence.

Leading the party’s response, Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee hailed Justice Jamdar for what he termed his commitment to upholding the Constitution at a time when, according to the Opposition, democratic institutions are facing increasing scrutiny.

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In a post on social media platform X, Banerjee said, “It takes courage to speak when silence is easier. Salute to Justice Madhav Jamdar for standing by constitutional freedoms and reminding us what judicial independence truly means.”

Though Banerjee did not directly refer to the Bombay High Court verdict, his remarks came a day after Justice Jamdar delivered a widely discussed judgment that set aside the Mumbai Police’s externment order against Chaudhary, who had been barred from entering Mumbai for one year over his participation in protests against various policies of the Central Government.

The July 2 ruling has since become a focal point in the broader national debate on civil liberties, dissent and the constitutional role of the judiciary. During the hearing, Justice Jamdar sharply criticised the police action, observing that citizens are not “slaves of the government” and reminding law enforcement authorities that they are accountable to the Constitution rather than political executives, including the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister.