Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, a senior Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist, is set to reapply for the bail of detained spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das on Thursday in Chittagong. This follows the dismissal of his earlier plea on procedural grounds.
A day prior, Ghosh attempted to advance the bail hearing for Chinmoy, a former ISKCON priest accused of sedition, but the court rejected his application, stating he lacked formal authorization from the detainee. Determined to proceed, Ghosh visited the jail, secured Chinmoy’s written authorization, and plans to submit a fresh petition.
Explaining the situation, Ghosh said, “I collected the required authorization directly from Chinmoy at the jail, and the jail superintendent has confirmed it. I will reapply to the court.”
However, the courtroom atmosphere on Wednesday was fraught with tension. Ghosh reported being harassed by a group of approximately 30 lawyers who entered the courtroom without permission. They accused him of representing ISKCON and of being connected to the death of a lawyer during recent protests.
“They called me a murderer and taunted me as Chinmoy’s agent. I was there as an advocate—how does that make me a murderer?” Ghosh remarked, adding that the judge reprimanded the disruptive group and police ensured his safety.
Chinmoy Krishna Das was arrested on November 25 at Dhaka Airport on sedition charges. The next day, a Chittagong court denied his bail request and ordered his imprisonment. His arrest sparked protests from his followers, who attempted to block the prison van, leading to clashes with police. Tragically, a lawyer, Saiful Islam Alif, was killed during the unrest.
The Chittagong court, citing prosecution delays and the absence of legal representation, postponed Chinmoy’s bail hearing to January 2. Ghosh, stepping in as a new advocate, sought to expedite the process but faced challenges due to the chaotic courtroom environment and local tensions surrounding the case.
Despite the obstacles, Ghosh remains committed to ensuring due legal representation for Chinmoy. “This is about justice and proper legal procedures,” he asserted.
The upcoming bail hearing will now test whether these efforts can bring clarity and resolution to a case that has stirred significant controversy and unrest.
