CJI raps Bengal over 'hostage-like situation' of SIR judicial officers

Seven judicial officers, including three women, involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal were held hostage for nearly nine hours in Malda district. The protesters, angered by deletion of names from the voter lists, gheraoed the Kaliachak II Block Development Office, blocking exits and denying the officers basic necessities. The Supreme Court termed the incident “calculated and well-planned” and expressed serious concern over the failure of law and order.

The apex court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to requisition and deploy central forces at all adjudication venues, including officers’ residences, to ensure their safety. It also mandated that the investigation of the April 1 incident be handed over to either the CBI or the NIA, with compliance reports submitted directly to the court. Notices were issued to the chief secretary, DGP, home secretary, and district officials of West Bengal to explain their administrative lapses, warning that inaction could amount to contempt of court.

The court observed that the judicial officers were acting as its “extended hands” in supervising the SIR process and that any attempt to intimidate or obstruct them challenged the authority of the judiciary. Social media visuals showed protesters pelting stones and assaulting the officers with bamboo sticks during evacuation. The bench highlighted the political presence at the protest site, stressing that law and order cannot be left to political actors.

The Supreme Court further directed strict access control at adjudication centres, limiting entries to three persons at a time, and required the state administration to take remedial measures under ECI guidance. The bench expressed shock at the “complete failure” of senior state officials, noting that critical communications with the chief secretary and district authorities were not maintained during the hostage situation, putting officers at risk.

The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining constitutional processes in a highly polarised environment. With over 63 lakh deletions and 60 lakh cases under adjudication during the SIR exercise, the Supreme Court emphasised that voter rights must be protected and that judicial officers should perform their duties independently, free from intimidation or obstruction.