SDM(Sabroom)  transferred over alleged misconduct with lawyer

The Tripura government on Thursday transferred the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Sabroom in South Tripura district, Abhijit Singh Yadav, following a controversy over his alleged misbehavior with a lawyer, which sparked protests by the legal fraternity across the state.

Lawyers in Sabroom had boycotted the SDM court, demanding Yadav’s removal from the post. In response, Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha recently held discussions with members of the Tripura Bar Association (TBA) and accepted their demand, while assuring that a proper inquiry into the incident would be conducted.

The young IAS officer came under fire after being accused of inappropriate conduct towards a senior lawyer at the Sabroom court premises last week. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to statewide reactions from lawyers’ bodies.

Within 24 hours of the assurance given to the TBA, the state administration relieved Abhijit Singh Yadav of his duties as SDM, Sabroom, and appointed him as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Revenue Department. He has been succeeded by Suman Rakshit, Treasury Officer in Agartala.

Meanwhile, Nava Kumar Jamatia, Deputy Collector of the West District Collectorate, has been assigned additional charge as Treasury Officer.

However, Abhijit Singh Yadav has denied the allegations of misconduct. In his clarification, he stated that he did not behave discourteously towards the lawyer concerned. He claimed that he had only suggested that litigants whose cases were scheduled for earlier hearings be allowed to occupy the front benches of the courtroom.

He further alleged that advocate Ratan Nath took exception to the remark and subsequently misled some of his colleagues, leading to the controversy. Meanwhile, advocate Ratan Nath has lodged a complaint against the SDM at the Sabroom police station.