The Supreme Court bench led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Jyamalaiya Bagchi refused urgent hearing on a plea for central forces in West Bengal following election results. The court directed the Sanatan Sanstha petitioner to seek relief from the Calcutta High Court instead.
Senior counsel V. Giri, appearing for the outfit, painted a grim picture based on 2021’s post-poll riots. He sought immediate central paramilitary deployment and a Supreme Court-monitored panel under a retired judge to prevent recurrence.
But the apex court prioritized procedural hierarchy. ‘Approach the high court first,’ it instructed, deeming it better suited for on-ground oversight.
Election Commission counsel Dama Seshadri Naidu intervened, pointing out that ECI’s mandate concludes post-counting. Maintaining order is the state police’s duty, he affirmed.
Justices echoed this: political executives in the state must act decisively. CJI Khanna hoped for responsible governance from Bengal’s administration.
Contextually, the plea ties into a broader petition scheduled for May 11. No interim orders were granted, leaving security arrangements to state mechanisms for now.
This case highlights judicial caution in preempting poll violence without exhausting lower court options. In a state with a history of electoral friction, the high court’s upcoming role could prove pivotal.
Public discourse on Bengal’s law enforcement readiness intensifies, with opposition voices criticizing past government responses. The Supreme Court’s directive reinforces federal structure limits on central judicial overreach in state affairs.
As results near, the focus shifts to Kolkata’s high court, where the battle for enhanced security will unfold.
