The Chief Justice of India (CJI) on Thursday came down heavily on the West Bengal administration over the gherao of judicial officers in Malda, saying authorities acted only after “stern orders” were issued
late at night.
“Till 11 o’clock, your Collector was not there. I had to verbally instruct very harsh orders in the night,” the CJI said, expressing concern over the delay in administrative response.
The CJI said the Supreme Court had to intervene after learning that judicial officers, including women officials and one with a five-year-old child, were confined inside a government office for hours.
“I had to issue stern orders last night, and then only the administration came into action,” the CJI said.
The court also made it clear that ensuring the safety of judicial officers was paramount, stating that it would leave it to the Election Commission to requisition forces from anywhere if required.
“We leave it to the Election Commission to call in forces from anywhere to protect the judicial officers,” the Supreme Court said.
What Happened In Malda
The incident took place on Wednesday evening at the Kaliachak II Block Development Office in Malda district, where seven judicial officers were confined after a group of local residents surrounded the premises in protest.
Officials said the protest began earlier in the day, with demonstrators seeking a meeting with the officers. When entry was denied, the crowd staged a demonstration around 4 pm and later gheraoed the office.
Three of the seven officers trapped inside were women.
The officers were rescued after nearly eight hours by a police team. While being escorted out in a police vehicle, the crowd allegedly pelted stones. No injuries were reported.
Why The Officers Were There
The judicial officers were handling cases under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, examining records of over 60 lakh voters flagged as “under adjudication.”
The process is being carried out under Supreme Court directions ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on April 23 and 29, with counting on May 4.
