The Supreme Court today took a serious note of seven judicial officials engaged in an SIR exercise being taken hostage in West Bengal’s Malda district, terming it deplorable and seeking responses from the state home secretary, DGP and other officials for their inaction. Calling the incident ‘highly premeditated,’ the apex court directed the Election Commission to order a probe by either the CBI or NIA and to immediately ensure security for judicial officers, including deployment of central forces if required. Chief Justice Surya Kant stated that the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Sujoy Pal, had alerted him about the situation late at night and again in the morning. Despite being informed, the roles of the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and local SP were described as “deeply disappointing”. Chief Justice Kant emphasized that attempts to intimidate or obstruct judges will not be tolerated, underscoring the judiciary’s resolve to protect its officers and uphold the rule of law. The Bench further said that the inaction on the part of the State government was “highly deplorable”. It took suo motu cognisance of the incident.

 

The bench said that the incident appears to be a calculated and motivated move to demoralise judicial officers and to stop the ongoing electoral process. Observing that the law and order machinery in the state has broken down, the CJI came down heavily on state officials for their delayed action on the issue. Seven judicial officials, including three women, were taken hostage by the anti-social elements in the Malda district, the CJI said. 

 

The Supreme Court further stated in its directive that the Home Secretary, DGP, District Magistrate, and all police officers are instructed that while filing an application in the SIR or during hearings, not more than two or three persons will be allowed to enter, and no more than five persons will be permitted to gather at the concerned district office. Adequate measures must be taken.

 

Furthermore, in response to the letter received from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, the Chief Secretary, DGP, District Magistrate, and SSP have been instructed to show cause as to why action should not be taken. All these officials have been ordered to be present virtually on April 6 at 4 PM.