kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Despite growing public support and prior assurances, Kolkata is yet to see a road named after Justice Radhabinod Pal — a towering figure in international jurisprudence. Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, who had earlier expressed intent to honor the late jurist, is expected to raise the issue with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim (popularly known as Bobby) upon his return from his ongoing overseas trip.

Justice Radhabinod Pal, best remembered for his powerful dissenting opinion during the 1946 Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal, continues to be revered in countries like Japan. However, his legacy remains under-acknowledged in his homeland, particularly in West Bengal — a state where he spent a significant portion of his academic and judicial career. While his contributions have long been celebrated internationally, particularly in East Asia, India’s recognition remains largely symbolic and minimal.

Earlier this year, Abhishek Banerjee had publicly announced plans to urge the state government and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to name a prominent road in the city after Justice Pal. The announcement sparked hope among historians, legal experts, and citizens who view Pal as a beacon of intellectual integrity and judicial independence. However, weeks have passed with no concrete development on this front, prompting concerns about the delay.

Sources close to the TMC leadership revealed that Abhishek Banerjee is aware of the lack of follow-through and intends to push the matter personally after returning from his foreign tour. “Abhishek is fully committed to ensuring this happens. He has always believed in honoring Bengal’s intellectual and legal icons. Upon his return, he will speak directly with the Chief Minister and the Mayor to expedite the process,” said a senior party leader, requesting anonymity.

The delay has drawn criticism from several quarters, including academicians and members of the legal community. “Justice Radhabinod Pal is a global icon. Naming a road after him should have been an uncontested, swift decision. It's unfortunate that bureaucracy or political indifference may be standing in the way of giving him the recognition he deserves in his own city,” said Professor Anirban Saha, a historian from Calcutta University.

Meanwhile, many believe that the decision is not just a symbolic gesture but also a reflection of the state's priorities in preserving and celebrating its intellectual history. Justice Pal served as a judge in the Calcutta High Court and was also Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta. His principled stance at the Tokyo Tribunal — where he alone ruled that all the accused Japanese officials were not guilty of war crimes — remains one of the most cited dissents in international legal history.

In Japan, Pal is commemorated through statues and memorials. Japanese political leaders, including Prime Ministers, have publicly honored him during state visits to India. His contribution is seen there as a testament to fairness, independent thought, and anti-colonial resistance. In stark contrast, Indian public memory has yet to adequately memorialize his legacy beyond scholarly references.

KMC sources say they are awaiting a formal proposal from higher political leadership to initiate the naming process. “Such decisions need cabinet or mayoral approval, especially if it involves prominent or central roads. Once we get a green signal, the rest can be executed relatively quickly,” a senior civic official explained.

As Abhishek Banerjee prepares to return from abroad in the coming days, attention is likely to turn once again to whether his commitment will translate into action. For many, naming a road after Justice Radhabinod Pal is more than a token tribute — it is a long-overdue act of historical justice.