Supreme Court Warns CBI Over Bengal Courts Allegation

The Supreme Court on Friday reprimanded the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for making “scandalous allegations” against West Bengal courts in their plea to transfer 2021 Bengal post-poll violence cases outside the state. The CBI had expressed concerns over a “hostile environment prevailing in the courts of Bengal,” which angered the court.

A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal expressed their displeasure, stating that the central probe agency had cast aspersions on the entire judiciary of West Bengal. The CBI’s plea sought to transfer over 45 cases, alleging that victims displaced by violence were being prevented from returning to their homes by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), and that witnesses were facing serious intimidation. However, the Supreme Court directed the CBI to amend its petition.

Justice Oka remarked, “If we transfer the matters outside Bengal, we will be certifying that all courts are hostile.” He also cautioned that the language used in the CBI’s application could potentially result in contempt charges against the officer responsible for the affidavit.

ASG SV Raju, representing the CBI, clarified that the agency did not intend to cast aspersions on the judiciary. He explained that the term “hostile environment” referred to threats and intimidation faced by victims and witnesses outside the courtroom.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankarnarayanan, representing the West Bengal state, questioned the CBI’s approach, asking, “Why should the agency approach the court in this manner?” He also noted that several victims had independently filed applications seeking case transfers due to intimidation.

In its order, the Supreme Court bench remarked, “Scandalous accusations have been made against all courts in West Bengal. It is unfortunate that central agencies like the CBI have cast such aspersions on the judiciary in this manner.”

The court also added, “Your officers may not have a favorable view of a particular state, but you cannot cast aspersions on the judiciary.”