SC issues final warning to Bengal govt, seeks affidavit from DGP in SIR-related violence

The Supreme Court on Friday adopted a stern stand over violence and alleged administrative non-cooperation during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, warning Director General of Police Piyush Pandey of stringent disciplinary action if the law-and-order situation does not improve. The court made it clear that failure to restrain those obstructing the SIR process would invite personal consequences.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya (Bagchi) expressed serious concern over what it termed a “crisis of trust” between the state government and the Election Commission. The bench observed that the extraordinary situation arising from this lack of confidence had compelled the apex court to step in and exercise its constitutional powers.

Directing immediate corrective steps, the court asked the DGP to file a personal affidavit detailing action taken so far on complaints received and outlining concrete measures to ensure security in the coming days. During the hearing, the Election Commission informed the bench that objection forms linked to the SIR process were allegedly being burnt in some areas and officials were facing threats. It was further alleged that police were reluctant to register FIRs in such cases.

Expressing displeasure, the court stated that it would hold the DGP and concerned district magistrates personally responsible for strict compliance with its directions. The bench also indicated that deployment of central forces could be considered if the state police fail to bring the situation under control.

The court had earlier requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to appoint judicial officers to monitor the revision process and ensure fairness amid the ongoing tussle between the Election Commission and the state administration. With the next hearing scheduled for the first week of March, the Supreme Court made it clear that tangible improvement on the ground is expected, failing which it will not hesitate to take stringent decisions.