West Bengal Over Attack on Judges During Election Duty, Orders CBI/NIA Probe: Supreme Court Slams

Supreme Court criticises West Bengal after judicial officers were held hostage during SIR election duties in Malda; orders central forces and CBI/NIA probe.

Supreme Court Slams West Bengal Over Attack on Judges During SIR Election Duties, Orders Central Probe

Supreme Court Slams West Bengal Over Attack on Judges During Election Duty, Orders CBI/NIA Probe

The Supreme Court of India expressed deep concern over the shocking incident in West Bengal’s Malda district, where seven judicial officers were gheraoed and held hostage for nearly nine hours while performing duties related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Court termed the situation alarming and reflective of a “polarised” political climate in the State.

Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi took suo motu cognisance of the matter based on a letter from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. The case is titled In Re: Safety and Security of Judicial Officers deputed for work relating to SIR of Electoral Rolls in the State of West Bengal and Ancillary Issues | SMW(c) 3/2026.

The incident occurred on April 1, 2026, when judicial officers were conducting adjudication proceedings related to electoral roll revision. According to the letter, the officers were surrounded by villagers at around 3:30 PM and were held until midnight. Shockingly, even during evacuation, their vehicles were attacked with stones and bamboo sticks.

“Never Seen Such A Polarised State”: Supreme Court

Expressing anguish, the Chief Justice remarked:

“Mr Adv General, now you are compelling us. Unfortunately, in your state, each one of you speak political language. That is the most unfortunate thing. We have never seen such a polarized state. That even in compliance of court orders, politics is reflected. It’s only because all the parties were happy, we thought we were creating a neutral kind of structure (by calling for assistance of judicial officers)…so that none of you have (issues)…and this is what is [happening]…Do you think we are not aware who are the miscreants? Atleast I was monitoring everything till 2 AM! Very unfortunate.”

“Brazen Attempt To Challenge Authority Of Court”

The Court observed that the incident was not isolated but appeared to be deliberate:

“This incident is a brazen attempt not only to browbeat judicial officers but also challenges the authority of this court. It was not a routine incident, but appears to be a calculated, motivated move to demoralise the judicial officers and stop the ongoing process of adjudicating objections in the left-out cases,”

The Chief Justice further added:

“We will not allow anyone to interfere and take the law into their hands to create a psychological attack on the minds of judicial officers. This is also an abdication of duty by the West Bengal government and the officers need to furnish reasons why, even after being informed, they did not ensure safe evacuation of the officers.”

Failure of State Administration Questioned

The Supreme Court sharply criticised the State machinery, noting that despite being informed, key officials including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and District Magistrate failed to act promptly.

The Court also questioned the absence of political leadership during the crisis. When it was argued that the protest was “apolitical,” the Chief Justice responded:

“If the protest was apolitical, then what were the political leaders doing? Was it not their duty to get at the spot and see what’s happening? That somebody’s trying to take law and order in their hands? 5 o clock these people gheraoed the officers. Till 11, your Collector was not there.”

Directions Issued: Central Forces, CBI/NIA Probe

To ensure accountability and prevent recurrence, the Supreme Court issued several critical directions:

Directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to requisition central forces to protect judicial officers.
Ordered that only a limited number of individuals be allowed at hearing venues to avoid mob situations.
Mandated that: “Home secretary, DGP, district magistrate and all police officials are directed to ensure that not more than two or three persons shall be allowed to enter to file objections or when the hearing takes place, and not more than five people shall be allowed to assemble,”
Ordered an investigation by a central agency: “We also direct ECI to entrust the enquiry into yesterday’s incident to either the CBI or NIA. The compliance report shall be submitted to this court. The agency shall be obligated to submit a preliminary enquiry report directly to this court,”

Judicial Officers’ Safety a Priority

Justice Joymalya Bagchi underscored the institutional importance of protecting judicial officers:

“We are here to protect the special officers. Their orders are deemed to be orders of our court,”

The Court made it clear that any attempt to intimidate judicial officers or interfere with the judicial process would be dealt with strictly.

Conclusion

The incident has raised serious concerns about law and order and the safety of judicial officers engaged in election-related duties. The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the gravity of the situation and signals strict oversight moving forward, with the Court set to monitor the investigation closely.

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