The Supreme Court has taken note of the attack on judicial officers working on the Special Intensive Revision in Malda, West Bengal. Moreover, the court directed the Election Commission to deploy central forces for their protection after protesters attacked them with stones and sticks on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
What Triggered the Court’s Response
The court had assigned district and sessions judges to examine objections and claims linked to nearly 50 lakh names removed from Bengal’s voter list during SIR. However, protesters attacked those judicial officers in Malda while they handled that process, and therefore the court expressed strong anger over the incident.
Bench Takes Serious Note of Malda Incident
Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi took up the matter. According to the court, protesters kept judicial officers confined from afternoon till night, and later attacked their vehicles with stones and sticks when they tried to leave.
Security Orders and Restrictions Issued
The court ordered the Election Commission to provide security wherever these officers stay. Further, the bench said authorities should protect family members too if needed, while the state government must act according to Election Commission directions. Also, the court said authorities must not allow more than five people to gather at claim disposal centres at one time.
Notices to Top State Officials
Meanwhile, the bench issued show-cause notices to the Chief Secretary, DGP, DM, and SP. The court asked them to explain why action should not proceed against them in this matter.
Online Hearing and Probe Directions
Additionally, the court ordered these officers to remain present during the online hearing on April 6. The bench also directed the Election Commission to get the incident investigated by an impartial agency, which may be the CBI or NIA. Moreover, the investigating agency must submit its report directly to the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice’s Sharp Rebuke
During the hearing, the Chief Justice reprimanded West Bengal’s Advocate General. He said, “Unfortunately, every officer in your state speaks political language. Do you think we do not know who the troublemakers were? I was tracking the situation till 2 am.”
Court Flags Administrative Failure
The Chief Justice said the Malda DM and SP did not reach the spot. He added that judicial officers came out late at night only after the High Court Chief Justice contacted the DGP. Even after that, attackers pelted stones at them. He said the issue does not concern harassment alone. Instead, it amounts to a challenge to the authority of the Supreme Court.
Concern Over Morale and Further Arguments
The Chief Justice also said the High Court Chief Justice informed the court that the Chief Secretary’s number was unavailable on WhatsApp. Therefore, he warned that such an incident could affect the morale of judicial officers. TMC lawyers then said the court should seek personal affidavits from responsible officers.
Kapil Sibal’s Request and Justice Bagchi’s Reply
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioners challenging the SIR, also attended the hearing. He requested the Chief Justice to remove the observation that law and order in the state had completely collapsed. In response, Justice Bagchi said, “We will consider your request, but understand this point. This observation challenges you. Prove it wrong.”
