Supreme Court raps West Bengal over ‘hostage’ ordeal of judicial officers

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday strongly criticised the West Bengal administration after seven judicial officers engaged in election-related duties were allegedly held hostage in Malda district, describing the episode as “deplorable” and indicative of a breakdown in law and order.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, directed the state’s home secretary, director general of police and other officials to explain their “inaction” in handling the situation.

The court also allowed the Election Commission of India to consider seeking an investigation by central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the National Investigation Agency.

Expressing serious concern, the bench said the incident appeared to be a “calculated” and “motivated” attempt to demoralise judicial officers and disrupt the ongoing electoral process. It further observed that the actions of those involved amounted to a direct challenge to the authority of the court.

According to the court, seven judicial officers, including three women, were confined for several hours by a group of individuals in Malda. The CJI noted that he had personally monitored the situation late into the night on Wednesday.

The bench referred to media reports describing the episode as a “brazen attempt” to intimidate officials carrying out their duties. It stressed that such actions would not be tolerated and warned against any interference with the rule of law or attempts to exert psychological pressure on judicial personnel.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the court remarked that the state’s law enforcement machinery appeared to have failed, calling it an “abdication of duty” by the government and its officers.

The judges directed the Election Commission to ensure adequate protection for judicial officers, their families and staff, including by requisitioning central forces from across the country if necessary.

The incident reportedly took place during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise linked to electoral rolls. Officials said the protest began when a group sought to meet the judicial officers over alleged deletion of voter names. After being denied entry, the group gathered outside the premises and staged a demonstration, eventually surrounding the building and preventing the officials from leaving.

Authorities said the officers, including three women, remained inside the premises for hours before the situation was brought under control. The court has sought detailed responses from the state government as it continues to examine the matter.

With PTI inputs