Supreme Court takes serious exception to attack on judicial officers in West Bengal

New Delhi — The Supreme Court of India on Thursday strongly condemned an incident in West Bengal’s Malda district where judicial officers deployed for work related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were allegedly gheraoed and attacked. The court termed it a “brazen attempt” to intimidate the judiciary and a direct challenge to its authority. 

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi was hearing a suo motu writ petition on the safety and security of judicial officers engaged in the SIR exercise in the state. The court issued a series of directions to ensure their protection and the smooth continuation of the ongoing process.

Taking note of a letter from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, the apex court recorded that seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded by anti-social elements at a BDO office in Kaliachowk from around 3.30 p.m. and were released only after midnight. The bench noted that even food and water were reportedly not allowed to reach them during the standoff.

The court also observed that despite being alerted, the civil and police administration showed “conspicuous inertia” and failed to intervene effectively for several hours. It further recorded that when the officers were finally released and returning to their accommodations, their vehicles were allegedly attacked with stones, bamboo sticks and bricks.

Calling the incident “calculated and deliberate,” the bench said it appeared to be aimed at demoralising judicial officers. The court also expressed anguish over the conduct of the state machinery, describing it as a “complete failure” to maintain law and order.

The bench criticised the roles of the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Collector and Superintendent of Police, calling their response “highly deplorable.” It directed them to explain why no effective steps were taken despite being informed about the situation in the afternoon and asked them to show cause why action should not be initiated.

The court warned that attempts to create psychological fear among judicial officers would not be tolerated and could amount to criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. 

To prevent recurrence, the apex court directed the Election Commission of India to requisition adequate central forces at all locations where judicial officers are posted. It also ordered comprehensive security arrangements at venues and at the officers’ places of stay, along with an assessment of any threat perception.

The court further ruled that not more than five persons should be allowed at a time inside premises where objections under the SIR process are being heard, and instructed authorities to enforce strict crowd-control measures.

In addition, the bench asked the Election Commission to entrust the probe to an independent agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the National Investigation Agency and submit a preliminary report directly to it.

Compliance reports have also been sought from the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal. The court directed all concerned officials to remain present virtually at the next hearing scheduled for April 6.

With inputs from IANS