Calcutta High Court judge laments farmer suicides

Kolkata, Feb 11 (IANS) In the wake of rising number of farmer suicides in the country, a Calcutta High Court judge Saturday said India was not yet free and political justice was a misnomer and impossible to get.

"Peasants who feed the entire country are taking away their lives because they are not getting even the minimum price they are expected to get. It is a shame. I believe India is yet to get her freedom," Justice K.J. Sengupta said at a programme here.

He blamed the politicians for the entire scenario.

"The farmers who are taking their lives have elected these people as representatives who will voice their concerns. But what are they doing...Political justice is a misnomer. I believe political justice in the country is impossible," added Justice Sengupta.

In West Bengal, the opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist has been claiming that several farm suicides had taken place in the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has refuted the opposition claim and termed it a malicious political campaign.