Supreme Court Slams West Bengal State Officials for Obstructing Election Adjudication
The Supreme Court criticized West Bengal state officials for failing to prevent violence against judicial officers involved in the Election Commission's SIR process. Show-cause notices have been issued to senior state officials, and central forces have been demanded to safeguard judicial officers and ensure the process continues smoothly without intimidation.
- Country:
- India
The Supreme Court has condemned the violence and intimidation against seven judicial officers, including three women, who were overseeing claims in the Election Commission's SIR process in West Bengal's Malda district. Chief Justice Surya Kant, heading the bench, expressed grave concern over the State's failure to act despite prior warnings, leaving the officers without protection, food, or water for extended hours.
Show-cause notices were issued to senior state officials, namely the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director General of Police, for their inaction. The Court ordered the Election Commission of India to deploy central forces to protect the judicial officers and to facilitate the smooth conduct of the adjudication process.
In a strong statement, the Court labeled the incident as a premeditated attempt to undermine judicial authority and obstruct the adjudication process. It emphasized the need for stringent security at all venues, restricted public entry, and immediate threat assessment for officers and their families. Senior officials are required to provide compliance reports and appear virtually at the subsequent hearing.
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