Supreme Court Slams West Bengal Administration Over Malda Incident, Calls It ‘Challenge to Judiciary’

Taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, the bench led by CJI Suryakant adopted a strict stance on the developments in Malda. The court emphasized the gravity of the incident, where seven judicial officers were allegedly held hostage for nine hours. The Chief Justice observed that such actions amounted to an attempt to exert pressure on the judiciary and posed a direct challenge to law and order.

The Supreme Court also criticized the conduct of the West Bengal government under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. It termed the administrative response as inadequate and delayed, noting that no immediate action was taken despite prior information being available to the state administration. The bench described the incident as a “planned and audacious attempt” to obstruct the administration of justice.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the court pointed out that the seven judicial officers, including three women officers, were left for hours without security, food, or water. This occurred despite advance intimation to the authorities, raising serious concerns over administrative accountability and preparedness.

The court issued show-cause notices to senior state officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police. It termed their conduct highly condemnable and demanded an explanation as to why timely and effective measures were not implemented. The officials have been directed to appear virtually in the next hearing and submit a compliance report.

In addition, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to ensure the सुरक्षा of judicial officers by deploying central forces. It ordered strict security arrangements at all locations, restriction of public movement, and immediate assessment of any threats to the officers and their families.

The court’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the Malda incident, framing it not only as a breakdown of law and order but as a direct affront to the judicial system, demanding urgent corrective measures and accountability at the highest administrative levels.