West Bengal is witnessing a rise in judicial involvement in administrative issues, with political interests often taking precedence. Recent instances have shown courts stepping in on various matters, from law enforcement to organizing rallies. Notably, a recent directive to deploy judicial officers for voter claims in the Election Commission’s ongoing exercise has been termed unprecedented.
In recent years, courts have been approached for permissions on public gatherings, administrative decisions, and police authority. Media reports and legal actions reflect a trend of seeking court resolutions for disputes that could be handled through administrative or political means. For instance, the Calcutta High Court had to intervene when the Kolkata Police denied the BJP’s request for a meeting addressed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 2024.
Court interventions extend to matters of national security as well. A recent ruling set a deadline for the West Bengal government to transfer acquired land to the Border Security Force for border fencing. This decision came after allegations of delays contributing to smuggling and infiltration. Additionally, the Calcutta High Court referred a rape and murder case from a local hospital to the CBI due to concerns over the investigation’s integrity.
The judiciary has also been involved in cases like the West Bengal teacher recruitment scam, leading to arrests of officials and significant repercussions in the education sector. Courts have been approached for challenges against executive orders, transfers, and police actions during political events. What began as disputes over administrative processes has now evolved into constitutional interventions, with the Supreme Court highlighting a “trust deficit” and directing judicial officers to oversee electoral matters.
