Supreme Court Slams West Bengal Over Judicial Officers' Detention Incident

The Supreme Court criticized West Bengal's administration for failing to manage a situation where seven judicial officers were detained by a mob in Malda district. The court ordered a CBI or NIA probe, deployment of central forces, and issued directions for safeguarding judicial officers during the ongoing electoral roll revision process.

In a critical assessment of the West Bengal administration, the Supreme Court has slammed the state's handling of a recent incident involving the detention of judicial officers in Malda district. The top court described the situation as a 'complete administrative failure' and has called for an investigation by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The judicial officers were held by a mob during an electoral rolls revision effort—a move the Supreme Court characterized as not just a 'brazen attempt to intimidate' the officers but also as an affront to its own authority. Chief Justice Surya Kant criticized the West Bengal government for its inaction during the ongoing crisis while directing the Election Commission to deploy central forces to ensure safety at sites where judicial officers are adjudicating objections.

Reports suggest that any communication with key state officials was challenging, complicating the response. The court has asked for a compliance report, and further hearings involving West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are slated for April 6. This unprecedented lapse in security has prompted concerns over maintaining law and order during politically sensitive periods.

(With inputs from agencies.)