The Supreme Court on Tuesday raised strong concerns over the safety of officials involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, warning that “anarchy cannot be allowed.” The bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi, issued notices to the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a petition seeking deployment of Central forces to protect Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the state. The petition, filed by organisation Sanatani Sangsad, alleged repeated incidents of intimidation and obstruction of electoral work.

During the proceedings, CJI Surya Kant questioned the ECI over the reported incidents in which electoral offices were allegedly surrounded by groups preventing BLOs from carrying out SIR duties. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Chief Justice remarked, “We cannot believe this is an isolated incident… This will become a serious issue if BLOs are not getting security.” His remarks reflected broader concerns about maintaining order during the crucial voter list revision exercise.

Justice Joymala Bagchi, however, urged caution in assessing the petitioner’s claims, noting that only one FIR had been presented as evidence. She observed that much of the petition relied on historical references of electoral violence in West Bengal and questioned whether the plea was driven by genuine security concerns or political motivations. “If we go by one FIR, then every state would need police under the ECI,” she said, emphasising the need for a prima facie case before directing extraordinary measures.

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Senior Advocate VV Giri, representing the petitioner, referred to several incidents of poll-related violence in 2022–23, arguing that BLOs faced significant risks and required interim protection. He cited a recent FIR registering an attack on electoral staff as evidence of escalating tensions. The ECI, in turn, informed the Court that even its own officers had been “gheraoed”, and without placing local police on deputation, it would struggle to address ongoing security issues in the state.

Despite differing views on the urgency of the threat, the bench expressed unified concern over the possibility of disruption to the electoral process. CJI Surya Kant reiterated the Court’s firm stance, stating, “We cannot allow law to be taken into someone’s hands.” Justice Bagchi suggested that the petitioner first approach the state government for additional forces, indicating that judicial intervention should follow only if state support fails.

Concluding the hearing, the Supreme Court formally issued notices to the Centre and ECI and sought their responses on the matter. The Court also indicated that obstruction of electoral duties “may not be an isolated incident,” prompting a closer examination of security conditions in West Bengal ahead of the next phase of the SIR process. The case is expected to bring renewed attention to long-standing concerns surrounding electoral violence in the state.

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