The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued a stern directive to the West Bengal government, ordering the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) to ensure the unwavering security of judicial officers until the upcoming assembly elections are concluded. The order comes in response to a harrowing incident on April 1 in Malda, where seven judicial officers were gheraoed by protesters for over nine hours during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
Protection Over Politics
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized that the safety of judicial officers is paramount and “not an academic exercise.” The CJI demanded to know the political affiliations of those who instigated the Malda siege, vowing to take the matter to its “logical conclusion.”
Key Court Directives:
- Security Freeze: Enhanced security provided to judicial officers cannot be withdrawn without the Supreme Court’s prior permission until the elections are over.
- Central Forces: The deployment of central forces for the protection of these officers will continue until further orders.
- NIA Investigation: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will continue its probe into the Malda incident, with investigators suspecting the violent protests were pre-planned.
Appreciation for Judicial Zeal
Despite the volatility surrounding the SIR process—which saw nearly 91 lakh names removed from electoral rolls—the apex court placed on record its high appreciation for the “herculean” efforts of the judicial officers. The bench lauded their “zeal and enthusiasm” in executing the revision under extreme pressure.
The court also pulled up the West Bengal Chief Secretary during the hearing, questioning the administrative response during the April 1 crisis. With the NIA looking into allegations against the local police’s conduct, the Supreme Court has signaled that any lapse in protecting the judiciary will be met with serious consequences.