Supreme Court Stands Firm: No Force Withdrawal from West Bengal, Says CJI

The Supreme Court of India on Monday resumed hearing petitions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, along with a suo motu case concerning the alleged gherao of judicial officers. The bench, headed by Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, made it clear that there was “no question of withdrawing forces” in light of recent developments in the state.

The hearing comes amid heightened scrutiny of the West Bengal administration following incidents of violence involving judicial officers. During the previous session, the apex court had strongly criticised the state authorities after reports emerged that officials deployed in Malda district to handle cases flagged during the SIR exercise were obstructed and surrounded. The court had described the situation as serious and indicative of a breakdown in law and order.

In response to the court’s earlier directives, the Election Commission of India transferred the investigation into the incident to the National Investigation Agency. The probe was ordered after the court directed that either the NIA or the Central Bureau of Investigation conduct a preliminary inquiry and submit a report directly to it. The move underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for an independent investigation.

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The case also stems from a petition filed earlier by Mamata Banerjee under Article 32 of the Constitution, challenging aspects of the SIR exercise. As proceedings continue, the court’s observations are expected to play a significant role in shaping both the investigation and the broader electoral revision process in the state, with implications for administrative accountability and judicial protection.

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