The court also directed the deployment of central forces and ordered that the incident be investigated by central independent agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA), as per LiveLaw.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi took up the matter urgently after receiving a letter from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court detailing the incident.
Seven judicial officers — including three women — were allegedly gheraoed by villagers while performing SIR adjudication duties. They were reportedly held from around 3:30 pm until midnight and were released only after intervention from the High Court’s Chief Justice and the state administration, as per LiveLaw.
Vehicles attacked, officers held without food or water
The bench recorded that the judicial officers were kept surrounded for several hours and that food and water were not provided during the ordeal.
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When they were eventually evacuated after midnight, their vehicles were allegedly pelted with stones and attacked with bamboo sticks.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice noted the slow response of local authorities. “Till 11 o’clock your Collector was not there. I had to verbally instruct very harsh orders in night. 5-year-old child not allowed food and water!” CJI Surya Kant said, as per LiveLaw.
The court observed that the incident reflected a serious administrative lapse and described it as a “criminal failure” by state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Superintendent of Police and District Collector. Notices were issued to these officials asking them to explain why action should not be taken against them.
Officials including the Chief Secretary and DGP have been directed to appear before the court through video conferencing on April 6 to respond to the notices.
‘Never seen such a polarised state’: CJI Kant on West Bengal
The bench also expressed concern about the political climate in the state.
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“Mr Adv General, now you are compelling us. Unfortunately, in your state, each one of you speak political language. That is the most unfortunate thing. We have never seen such a polarised state. That even in compliance of court orders, politics is reflected,” CJI Kant was quoted as saying by LiveLaw.
“It’s only because all the parties were happy, we thought we were creating a neutral kind of structure (by calling for assistance of judicial officers)…so that none of you have (issues)…and this is what is [happening]…Do you think we are not aware who are the miscreants? At least I was monitoring everything till 2 AM! Very unfortunate,” he added.
Court orders central forces and independent probe
To ensure the safety of judicial officers engaged in the electoral process, the court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to requisition adequate central forces at locations where SIR adjudication work is underway.
The bench also asked the ECI to entrust the investigation into the incident to either the CBI or the NIA.
It further instructed authorities to assess security threats to judicial officers and their families and to implement necessary protection measures.
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