Supreme Court Slams Malda Hostage Incident, Seeks Action; EC Allowed to Seek CBI or NIA Probe

The Supreme Court of India has taken serious note of an alarming incident in Malda, West Bengal, where seven judicial officials were reportedly taken hostage during the SIR exercise, terming the episode “deplorable.” A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, expressed strong concern over the situation and questioned the apparent inaction of authorities. The court has sought responses from the State Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and other concerned officials regarding the incident. It has also permitted the Election Commission of India to approach investigative agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the National Investigation Agency for a detailed probe. The development has intensified focus on law and order in West Bengal amid ongoing electoral processes.