The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over an incident in West Bengal’s Malda district where judicial officers assigned for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls were reportedly surrounded and assaulted. The Court deemed this a blatant effort to intimidate the judiciary and directly challenge its authority. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and other Justices issued directives to safeguard judicial officers and ensure the uninterrupted progress of the SIR process in the state.
In response to a letter from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court detailing the event, the Supreme Court noted that seven judicial officers, including three women, were encircled by anti-social elements at a BDO office in the Kaliachowk area and were only released after midnight. The Court highlighted the severity of the situation, mentioning that the officers were denied food and water during the ordeal.
Despite being alerted, the civil and police administration’s response was criticized by the apex court for its apparent inaction, with no effective intervention for several hours. The Court described the incident as a premeditated attempt to intimidate judicial officers and undermine the authority of the judiciary. It expressed disappointment in the state machinery’s failure to maintain law and order, directing officials to account for their lack of action.
To prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of judicial officers, the Supreme Court instructed the Election Commission of India to deploy ample central forces at all locations where officers are stationed. It also mandated enhanced security measures at work and residential sites of the officers and their families, emphasizing the need to address any perceived threats promptly. Additionally, the Court limited the number of individuals allowed at venues where objections under the SIR process are being reviewed and called for stringent crowd control measures.
