Ex-judge on deleted list to move tribunal, family status undecided

Kolkata: Retired Calcutta High Court judge Sahidullah Munshi, who has served seven years as a Calcutta HC judge and serves as the chairperson of the state Auqaf board, has been struck off the electoral list after judicial scrutiny and is likely to appeal before the appellate tribunal for inclusion.Speaking to TOI, his son Iftekar Munshi, an advocate in Calcutta High Court who is also under adjudication, said he was disheartened to find his father's name deleted from the voter list. "If he was serving as a judge at some point of time, is it even palatable to hear that his name has been deleted from the electoral roll?" Iftekar asked.Justice Sahidullah's wife, Sahana Munshi's name is also under adjudication. Their younger son, Ibtehaj Munshi, has applied as a new voter. Though he has received his EPIC number, his elder brother said that he was yet to find his name on the voter list."For a person to become a judge, you submit all your documents. It is scrutinised, your name is approved by the Collegium, then the President appoints you. He takes oath on the Indian Constitution. It is surprising that his name was deleted," Iftekar said. Iftekar said that no reason was given for the deletion. "What exactly are we appealing against, how do we bring our arguments there, what is the reason for deletion or adjudication?" he asked. Justice Munshi and his wife's names were in the 2002 SIR list as well. The former judge has been voting in Kolkata since 2000. The Kolkata Appellate Tribunal will be headed by former Calcutta HC Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam, who will decide on the ex-HC judge's appeal.