Supreme Court Orders Action Amidst Judicial Officer Intimidation in Bengal

The Supreme Court criticized the West Bengal administration for failing to protect judicial officers in Malda during the SIR process, calling it a deliberate obstruction of justice. The Court demanded immediate security measures, the deployment of central forces, and accountability from top state officials for their inaction.

In a critical move, the Supreme Court has condemned the West Bengal administration for its failure to safeguard judicial officers facing threats and intimidation during their duties in the Election Commission's SIR process in Malda district. The court labeled the incident as a deliberate obstruction of justice and issued show-cause notices to senior state officials for not acting promptly.

The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, expressed deep concern over the lack of immediate protection, food, and water provided to the officers despite prior warnings to state authorities. The Court has mandated the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deploy adequate central forces to secure the safety of judicial officers and ensure the smooth progress of the SIR adjudication process.

Furthermore, the Court has demanded strict security measures at all adjudication sites, limited public access, and an immediate evaluation of any threats faced by the judicial officers or their families. Compliance reports have been ordered, with virtual attendance of state officials required at the next hearing on April 6. The Supreme Court's decisive intervention underscores its commitment to maintaining the rule of law and the protection of its judiciary.

(With inputs from agencies.)