NIA has submitted its preliminary report to the Supreme Court in the case of judicial officers being taken hostage in West Bengal. A total of 15 FIRs have been registered regarding the gherao of judicial officers. The lawyer appearing on behalf of NIA told the court that this FIR has been registered against how many people in this case. A total of 24 people have been arrested.
The CJI recorded in the order that we have been informed that election Commission Has handed over the responsibility of investigation to the National Police Agency (NIA). A preliminary status report has been submitted. There are serious allegations against the members of the state. Using the powers under Article 142, we direct that the investigation of these crimes be handed over from the local police to the National Police Agency (NIA).
If during the investigation it is found that more crimes have been committed, there are other dimensions to the crime or there are more persons involved in the crime, the National Police Agency (NIA) will be forced to register additional FIRs.
The investigation reports will be presented in the NIA court in Kolkata. Till then NIA will continue to submit status reports to this Court from time to time. The state police handed over documents related to the case to the NIA.
The local police are directed to hand over the investigation related documents and case diary to the NIA. NIA is also directed to provide all kinds of logistics support required for the ongoing investigation.
The Supreme Court was informed that 26 suspects have been detained by the state police. He should be handed over to NIA. The Supreme Court ordered the state police to hand over the suspects to the NIA.
The Chief Justice asked the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, what is the problem that you do not even answer the call of the Chief Justice? The Chief Secretary said that the Calcutta officials had not called me. I came to Delhi for a meeting. I was on the plane from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The Supreme Court strongly reprimanded West Bengal and said that you have put on hold the dignity of the administrative system of the entire state. CJI also strongly reprimanded the DGP. Both were present in the court virtually.
Justice Bagchi said that the calls were probably made in the evening. If you could please share your mobile number and other details. CS said that that number is more secure and its connectivity is better.
Bagchi said that the security is so tight that even the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court cannot reach it? So please show some leniency so that even ordinary officers like the Chief Justice of the High Court can reach him. CS said that I am sorry.
Justice Bagchi said that he should apologize to the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. CJI Kant said that this is a grave failure of both you and your administration. Due to your inaction the Election Commission of India has been marginalized.
The Chief Justice said that you do not communicate with the Election Commission, which is entrusted with the responsibility of giving you instructions in such an emergency, and this omission has created so much difficulty and unrest in the state. What kind of reliability is this? Advocate Siddharth Luthra, appearing for CS, said that he was in a meeting with the Election Commission.
The Chief Justice said please do not defend him. The Chief Justice said that we are seeing this very harsh and stubborn nature of bureaucracy in other states also.
CJI recorded in the order. Chief Secretary and other officers are present online. We hope that the authorities have now fully understood the responsibility under which they were expected to render assistance to the Chief Justice of the High Court in the event of judicial officers being taken hostage. We do not propose to take any further action against them.
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