Overview On January 17, 2026 , West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addressed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant , urging him to safeguard the country's Constitution , democracy , and judiciary . The event took place during the inauguration of a building for the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court . Key Developments Constitutional Protection: Mamata Banerjee emphasized the need to protect the Constitution , democracy , and judiciary from potential threats. Protection from Agencies: She requested Justice Kant to protect citizens from being wrongly targeted by unspecified "agencies". Media Trials: Banerjee voiced concerns about the increasing trend of media trials influencing public perception before cases are properly adjudicated. UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) . It touches upon the roles and responsibilities of the judiciary, the importance of upholding constitutional values, and the potential challenges to the justice system posed by external factors like media influence. Potential UPSC Questions Discuss the role of the judiciary in safeguarding constitutional values and democratic principles in India. Analyze the impact of media trials on the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process. What measures can be taken to mitigate their negative effects? Evaluate the challenges faced by the Indian judiciary in the 21st century, including issues related to independence, accountability, and public trust. Key Terms Constitution: The fundamental law of a country, defining the structure of government, its powers, and the rights of citizens. Judiciary: The system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. Democracy: A system of government in which the people hold power, typically exercised through elected representatives. Media Trial: The influence of media coverage on public perception of a case, potentially prejudicing the outcome of a trial.