Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 2: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday took a serious view of threats faced by judicial officers in West Bengal and directed deployment of central armed forces to ensure their safety.

The directions came after seven judicial officers, including three women judges, were allegedly gheraoed for several hours in Malda district while carrying out Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipin Pancholi, observed that the incident reflected an “abdication of duty” by the West Bengal government and its officials.

The court noted that despite repeated communication from the Calcutta High Court, no prompt action was taken to rescue the officers, who were eventually released after midnight. It also recorded that their vehicles were attacked with stones and sticks while they were leaving.

Calling the incident a “brazen attempt” to intimidate judicial officers, the court said it would not allow any interference in the discharge of judicial duties or attempts to create psychological pressure on officers.

The Bench issued a series of directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI), including deployment of central forces at workplaces and residences of judicial officers facing threats, and ensuring strict control over crowds at hearing venues.

The court also directed senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and district authorities, to submit a compliance report and explain why action should not be taken against them. They have been asked to appear before the court on April 6.

Further, the apex court ordered that the probe into the incident be handed over to a central agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which will submit a preliminary report directly to the court.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta termed the incident an affront to the rule of law, while senior advocate Kapil Sibal described it as unfortunate.

The court emphasised that all stakeholders must condemn such incidents, asserting that orders passed by judicial officers are deemed to be orders of the Supreme Court itself.