Calcutta HC Bar Association Condemns Attack on Judicial Officers, Suspends Lawyer
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association has condemned an alleged attack and intimidation of judicial officers during electoral roll revision in Malda, West Bengal. The association suspended a lawyer accused of instigating the incident and is seeking disciplinary action against him. The Supreme Court has also taken serious note of the matter, ordering an NIA probe and protection for the judicial officers.
Key Highlights
- Judicial officers were allegedly held hostage for nine hours in Malda.
- Calcutta HC Bar Association condemned the attack and suspended an accused lawyer.
- The Supreme Court has ordered an NIA probe into the Malda incident.
- The incident occurred during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- The Bar Association criticized the alleged inaction of local police.
- Concerns about the safety of judicial officers have intensified.
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association has issued a strong condemnation of what it described as "hooliganism" and a "cowardly and dastardly attack" on judicial officers in Malda, West Bengal. The incident, which occurred on April 1, 2026, involved seven judicial officers, including three women, who were allegedly held hostage for approximately nine hours while performing duties related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Bar Association passed a resolution at an urgent general body meeting on April 6, expressing deep perturbation over the disturbing visuals and news surrounding the event. According to the Association's resolution, the alleged acts of hooliganism and harassment were instigated by provocative statements made by a member of the Bar, identified as Advocate Mofakkerul Islam. In response to these allegations, the Calcutta High Court Bar Association has suspended Advocate Islam from its membership pending the outcome of criminal proceedings. Furthermore, the Association has resolved to initiate disciplinary proceedings for his expulsion and has requested the Bar Council of West Bengal to consider canceling his law practice license. The resolution characterized the incident as a deliberate attempt to intimidate the judiciary and undermine its functioning, describing it as an effort to spread "a staid terror message" across West Bengal. The Association also voiced strong criticism regarding the alleged inaction of the local administration and police during the nine-hour ordeal, stating that they "acted like a mere spectator." This condemnation and action by the High Court Bar Association follow closely on the heels of significant attention from the Supreme Court regarding the safety of judicial officers involved in the electoral roll revision exercise. The Supreme Court, on April 6, 2026, ordered the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe into the Malda incident. The apex court's bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, expressed serious concerns about the breakdown of law and order and the alleged failure of state officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, to respond effectively to the situation. The Supreme Court also criticized the accessibility issues with top West Bengal officials, with Chief Justice Surya Kant questioning why calls from the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice went unanswered. Justice Joymalya Bagchi advised officials to "lower your security a bit so that ordinary citizens like the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court can access you." The Supreme Court directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to issue a written apology to the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, terming the episode a clear failure of the civil administration and police machinery. The court emphasized that the incident was not routine but appeared to be a "calculated, motivated move to demoralize the judicial officers and stop the ongoing process." The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the challenges faced by judicial officers performing their duties in potentially volatile environments. The SIR of electoral rolls is a critical exercise, particularly in the context of upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal, and the incidents in Malda have cast a shadow over its smooth conduct and the security of those involved. The coordinated actions by the Calcutta High Court Bar Association and the Supreme Court signal a firm stance against any form of intimidation or attack on the judiciary, reinforcing the principle of judicial independence and the rule of law. The news highlights a pattern of unrest and legal fraternity activism in West Bengal, with past incidents including lawyers boycotting courts due to alleged police brutality and protests against the heckling of lawyers. The present incident adds another layer to the ongoing concerns about the safety and security of legal professionals and judicial officers in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Malda, West Bengal?
Seven judicial officers, including three women, were allegedly held hostage for approximately nine hours on April 1, 2026, in Malda's Kaliachak area while they were conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They were allegedly subjected to intimidation and harassment.
What action has the Calcutta High Court Bar Association taken?
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association condemned the incident as "hooliganism" and "cowardly and dastardly." They have suspended Advocate Mofakkerul Islam, who is accused of instigating the attack, from their membership. The Association is also initiating expulsion proceedings against him and has requested the Bar Council of West Bengal to cancel his license.
What is the Supreme Court's role in this incident?
The Supreme Court has taken a serious note of the Malda incident. It has ordered the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the probe and directed the West Bengal administration to provide protection to the judicial officers. The Supreme Court also criticized the state's top officials for their alleged lack of response during the incident.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The SIR is a process undertaken to update and revise electoral rolls, particularly in the lead-up to elections. In West Bengal, this process was ongoing ahead of assembly polls, and judicial officers were assigned duties related to it. The alleged incident occurred during this revision process.
Why did the Bar Association criticize the police?
The Calcutta High Court Bar Association's resolution criticized the local police and administration for allegedly acting as "mere spectators" and allowing the "barbarism and unchecked hooliganism" to continue for about nine hours without intervention.
