New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, the Supreme Court of India delivered a sharp rebuke to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over its attempt to transfer post-election violence cases from West Bengal to another state. The CBI’s move, seen as an implicit critique of the West Bengal judiciary, sparked outrage from the apex court, which questioned the very grounds on which the agency sought the transfer.
On Friday, a bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Pankaj Mithal expressed strong disapproval of the CBI’s petition, warning that such actions cast doubt on the impartiality and integrity of West Bengal’s courts. Justice Oka, addressing Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, pointedly asked, “Are you suggesting that all courts in West Bengal operate under a hostile environment? Is this an insinuation that they are granting bail illegally?”
The petition raised concerns over the conduct of the judiciary in handling the sensitive post-election violence cases in the state, but the bench made it clear that such sweeping allegations could erode public trust in the judicial system. The court was particularly critical of the “loose drafting” of the petition, which seemed to accuse the entire West Bengal judiciary of bias.
After facing intense scrutiny, ASG Raju admitted to the flaws in the petition’s language, describing it as poorly drafted. While he initially sought to modify the petition, the court refused to accept any changes, insisting instead on a complete withdrawal. “The implications of such claims are far-reaching,” Justice Oka remarked, stressing the need for the CBI to maintain judicial decorum when dealing with matters involving state courts.
Under the weight of the Supreme Court’s criticism, the CBI was left with little choice but to retract its petition. The move is being seen as a significant blow to the agency’s efforts to shift the cases out of West Bengal, a state already marred by political tensions following its contentious elections.
This case underscores the importance of maintaining faith in the judiciary’s independence, particularly in politically sensitive matters. The Supreme Court’s intervention not only preserves the integrity of the West Bengal courts but also serves as a stern reminder to investigative agencies about the gravity of their claims against judicial bodies.
