Supreme Court of India on Thursday took a stern view of the Wednesday’s attack on judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in West Bengal, terming it an “assault on the Court itself” and directing that the investigation be handed over to a central agency.
A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, under the leadership of Chief Justice Surya Kant, observed that any attack on judicial officers goes beyond a mere law-and-order issue and strikes at the very foundation of the judiciary.
“The investigation into this incident must be handed over to a central agency—either the CBI or the NIA,” the Court directed, underscoring zero tolerance for such acts.
The directive comes a day after seven judicial officers, including three women, were held under siege for several hours in a village in Malda district while carrying out court-mandated SIR duties. The officers were allegedly confined inside a government office, and their vehicles were later attacked with bricks, stones, and bamboo sticks during their rescue and return.
Referring to a communication from Sujoy Paul, Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, the apex court noted that the state administration failed to act promptly, with no effective intervention reported until 8:00 pm. Allegations also surfaced that the officers were denied basic necessities such as food and water during the ordeal.
The judicial officers were eventually rescued after midnight following the intervention of the High Court Chief Justice. However, the court was informed that even after their release, the officers faced further attacks while being escorted back.
Expressing strong displeasure, the Supreme Court termed the episode an “utter failure” of the state administration. It also noted that attempts to contact the Chief Secretary during the crisis were unsuccessful.
Appearing before the Court, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta described the incident as “absolutely unacceptable,” stating that it effectively amounted to an attack on the Supreme Court itself, since the officers were executing duties under its direct orders.
During the hearing, petitioners sought the deployment of central forces to ensure the safety of officials involved in the electoral process. The court assured that all necessary steps would be taken to safeguard judicial officers.
Reiterating its position, the apex court stated that judicial officers act as the “extended arms” of the judiciary, and any attempt to intimidate or obstruct them would be treated as a direct challenge to the institution.
The incident has once again brought concerns over law and order and administrative preparedness in West Bengal into sharp focus. Attention will now turn to the findings of the central agency probe and the accountability it establishes.
Follow us
