Supreme Warns That Anarchy Cannot Be Allowed

In a stern message to authorities in West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Wednesday cautioned that “anarchy cannot be allowed” during the State’s Summary Revision (SIR) exercise. The remarks came amid reports of violence and intimidation against Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved in the electoral verification process.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the State government and law-enforcement agencies to take strict and immediate action against any attack, threat, or obstruction faced by BLOs. The Court said that ensuring their safety is essential for maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), in its submission, said it was unable to guarantee full security coverage without placing local police personnel on deputation. The Commission argued that cooperation from the State machinery was crucial for smooth conduct of the revised electoral roll exercise.

Taking serious note of the situation, the Court sought urgent and detailed reports on incidents of violence, threats, and administrative hurdles. It also issued notices to the Centre and the West Bengal government, directing them to file responses without delay.

The Court is expected to review compliance and further action in the coming days as concerns over safety and transparency in the SIR exercise continue to mount.