THE HARBINGER OF NOR'WESTER

Conviction of Wrongs

The black smoke in Siliguri never fails to disappoint after hours of watching green jungles, all the way from Naxalbari. Bimal looked around, the seats reserved for the press were already full. The general public was allowed limited entry. It seemed that law, the respect for the law, and hate for it took up a lot of space in this court today. Bimal crossed the aisle, while adjusting his ceremonial uniform, and took the plaintiff's bench.

People started to fill in and Chaitali arrived soon after. She wore full-length trousers, a coat, and a white neckband, even her professional look was fashionable. She kept her bag on the desk and took her seat beside Bimal.

"They're here!", Bimal said to Chaitali as he saw Soumen Maitra entering the room with Master da and two police escorts.

Chaitali turned to Soumen, who nodded at her, adjusting his tie and straightening his coat simultaneously.

"All stand", announced the bailiff.

The judge ascended the steps, he was a strongly built man and looked at his audience before sitting on his bench. Then he asked everyone to sit and check if everything on his desk was in order.

"I've received an entreaty from the Sangsaptak Club", the judge unfolded a piece of paper on his desk, "will the applicant, please stand?"

Bimal turned around to see a lean boy stand among the crowd. The judge crossed his fingers and leaned forward, "what is your request?"

"Your Honour, for safety purposes, our institution request that the defendants stay in temporary lodging arranged by the club", the lad said unfailingly, "there have been more than a few cases of 'accidents' with the certain kind of suspects charged with domestic terrorism...! We promise to present him for registration and hearings as per schedule"

Chaitali tried to stand, but the judge ushered her to sit down. The judge then looked back at the lad, "you're aware that police custody and legal courts are inseparable machineries!? Now, to my understanding, many accepted laws and procedures will be questioned here, itself on the case. Don't add your entreaty to it..."

The lad looked around for a moment, half expecting for people to shout for him. But seeing the quiet courtroom, he sat down.

"The defence may begin..."

"I would firstly like to appeal....!", Soumen started speaking fast without even letting the judge breathe. The judge was suddenly taken aback, but Soumen continued, "that this trial is acknowledged as a part of the revolution. For years now, my clients have been accused of following the grammar of anarchy to establish their aims. Well, we are here, and I appeal this court, that my defence is treated with respect and transcribed for public viewing, as per convenience!"

"Objection, Your Honour", Chaitali stood up, "Mr. Maitra is stating to lay liberties at feet of his idols and asking us to trust him with powers which enables him to subvert his propaganda!"

"I'm sorry Ms. Karmakar! But aren't you borrowing that from the commencement day speech of Dr. Ambedkar? Who's laying down their liberties now?"

"Sustained Ms. Karmakar!", stated the judge and then turned to Soumen, "I'll request the press, to submit copies of all news related to this trial, to the court for evaluation before publishing!"

Then the judge looked back at the lawyers, "to the bench, counselors!"

Chaitali and Soumen did as they were told. They came and leaned over the desk, flaring nostrils. The judge spoke calmly, "if it pleases both of you, may we begin the actual session or are you interested in a philosophical discourse with each other!?"

"I'm willing to settle for twenty years for all members, except Master da, he's for a lifetime!", Chaitali said casually leaning over the bench.

"Fine!", Soumen danced his brows and nodded, "immediate suspension of all the officers involved in the 25th May massacre, the shootout at Hatighisa, and the confrontation at Baka Lohar Bridge? Also a fine of minimum life value 5 lakhs to the family of the martyrs, with a provision for government jobs...!"

Chaitali smirked at Soumen, who kept smiling at her.

"No settlement, then?", the judge was bored or just baffled by the level of their dedication.

"I guess not!", Soumen turned back to the judge, "it seems Ms. Karmakar has thought about this! Did lots of analysis, doubt if it is forensic though?"

"You want a trial?", Chaitali raised her eye level to Soumen, "I'll give you a goddamn trial!"

"To your seats, Counselors!", the judge said in a low voice.

"The court instructs the defendants, to come one by one and submit their plea!", the judge said loudly as both the counselors took their seats, seemingly losing a fencing duel to each other.

One by one everyone came. Naitik Bose, Saikat Sanyal, Dr. Aishik Routh and many others, all pleading not guilty. Then Master da took the stand and cleared his throat, "I plead guilty!"

The judge looked down breathing heavily, "the court instructs Master da to be sent to the district prison for processing. The trial commences two days later. Court is adjourned!"

The judge hit his hammer and stood up, and along with him everyone. Then immediately all had to buckle down, for the sky roared.

"Bordoishila Asche!", said the bailiff, speaking Assamese, referring to the violent monsoon storm, nor'wester.