Top Court Flags ‘Law & Order Breakdown’ in Bengal After Malda Gherao Incident
Show-cause notices issued to Chief Secretary, DGP; court calls incident a “breakdown of law and order” during voter roll revision
New Delhi, April 3, 2026: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday took serious note of an incident in West Bengal’s Malda district where judicial officers were allegedly gheraoed for several hours during the ongoing electoral roll revision process.
The court issued show-cause notices to the state’s Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP), questioning their inaction and terming the episode an “abdication of duty.”
The incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at the Kaliachak II Block Development Office, where protesters gathered over alleged deletion of names from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. As tensions escalated, the crowd surrounded the office, effectively confining seven judicial officers, including three women, inside for hours.
Protesters also blocked National Highway 12, disrupting traffic on the crucial Kolkata–Siliguri route and intensifying pressure on authorities.
Late at night, security forces launched a rescue operation. Officials were evacuated after midnight amid resistance from protesters, who reportedly attempted to block vehicles and damage them. Police used batons to disperse the crowd and restore order.
The situation eased after an Additional District Magistrate assured protesters that eligible voters’ names would be reviewed and restored within four days.
Taking a strong stance, the Supreme Court described the incident as “deplorable” and a “motivated attempt” to disrupt the electoral process and intimidate officials. It directed the state government led by Mamata Banerjee to coordinate with the Election Commission of India and ensure adequate security, including the possible deployment of central forces.
The court also allowed the Election Commission to consider a probe by central agencies such as the CBI or NIA, citing concerns over a “complete breakdown of law and order.”
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to derail the state’s electoral process. She alleged that the party was trying to create conditions for cancellation of the polls and imposition of President’s Rule in West Bengal.
The Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the state police on the incident, even as political tensions continue to escalate in the poll-bound state.
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