Malda Incident Sparks Supreme Court Outrage: WB Govt Pulled Up Over Attack On Judges, Central Forces Ordered

The Supreme Court has strongly criticised the West Bengal government following a serious incident in Malda, where judicial officers were surrounded and held for hours while performing election-related duties.

The court described the situation as deeply disturbing and ordered immediate steps to ensure the safety of officials, including the deployment of central armed forces.

Judges Trapped During Election Duty

The incident took place when seven judicial officers, including three women judges, were carrying out work related to the revision of voter lists under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. While they were at a government office in Malda, a group of protesters surrounded the building and prevented them from leaving.

The protest was reportedly triggered by anger over the removal of certain names from the voter list. What began as a demonstration soon turned into a prolonged gherao, with the officers effectively trapped inside for nearly nine hours. The situation became even more concerning when, after their release late at night, their vehicles were allegedly attacked with stones and sticks as they tried to leave the area.

Supreme Court Terms Incident "Pre-Planned"

Hearing the matter, a bench of the Supreme Court expressed serious concern over what had happened. The judges observed that the incident appeared to be "pre-planned, calculative and motivated," suggesting that it was not a spontaneous protest but a deliberate attempt to intimidate officials.

The court also made a sharp remark about the situation in the state, calling West Bengal "the most polarised" in the country. This comment reflected the court's concern about rising tensions and the impact they may have on the functioning of democratic institutions.

Strong Criticism of State Authorities

The Chief Justice questioned why senior officials failed to act despite having prior information about possible unrest. The court pointed out that key authorities, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and district officials, did not take timely action to ensure the safe evacuation of the judicial officers.

It was noted that even after repeated communication from the High Court, there was a significant delay in response. The situation reportedly began in the afternoon, but meaningful action was taken only late at night. This delay raised serious concerns about administrative failure and lack of coordination.

Court Orders Central Forces for Protection

Taking a firm stand, the Supreme Court directed that central armed forces be deployed to protect judicial officers while they carry out their duties. The court stressed that those involved in the electoral process must be able to work without fear or pressure.

It also made it clear that security should not be limited to workplaces alone. If any officer feels that their family could be at risk, protection must also be extended to their residence. The court emphasised that any such concerns must be addressed immediately.

Measures to Prevent Future Incidents

The court also instructed both the Election Commission and the state government to ensure that proper arrangements are made to avoid similar situations in the future. It stressed the importance of maintaining order during hearings and limiting the number of people present to prevent crowding and potential unrest.

These steps are aimed at creating a safe and controlled environment where officials can perform their responsibilities without disruption.

Show Cause Notice to Senior Officials

In a significant move, the Supreme Court issued show cause notices to top state officials, including the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police, and local administrative officers. They have been asked to explain why action should not be taken against them for failing to handle the situation properly.

The court has also directed these officials to appear in person before it on April 6, signalling that accountability will be strictly enforced.