SC Slams Bengal Over Gherao of Judicial Officers in Malda

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday strongly criticised the West Bengal administration over the gherao of judicial officers in Malda, stating that the incident reflected a serious breakdown of law and order and administrative failure.

The court reacted to an incident in Kaliachak, Malda district, where seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded and confined for several hours by a mob of protesters during an electoral roll revision exercise. The protest reportedly began in the afternoon and continued for nearly nine to ten hours, with the officers being released only late at night after police and central forces intervened.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that no effective administrative response was visible for hours, remarking that even the district collector was absent until late in the evening. The bench expressed concern that despite being informed, authorities failed to act promptly to ensure the safety of officials performing court-mandated duties.

The court described the incident as a “calculated and deliberate attempt” to intimidate judicial officers and obstruct the electoral process, warning that such actions could amount to criminal contempt. It further termed the situation a “complete failure” of the state’s civil and police administration.

In response, the Supreme Court issued show-cause notices to senior West Bengal officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, asking them to explain the lapses. It also directed that an independent investigation be conducted, with suggestions to involve central agencies such as the CBI or NIA.

The incident has drawn national attention because it occurred during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a sensitive process linked to upcoming elections. Protesters reportedly objected to the deletion of names from voter lists, which triggered the confrontation.