West Bengal CEO Issues Strict Directive for SIR Hearing Security
In a significant move to maintain law and order during the ongoing Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) hearings across West Bengal, the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Manoj Kumar Agarwal, has issued a comprehensive directive to all district magistrates and district election officers. The order, communicated on Thursday, mandates immediate action against any incidents of violence, destruction of public property, or threats to officials at panchayat, block, and ward office venues.
Immediate FIR Filing Mandated for Disruptions
The CEO's communication explicitly requires district election officers to take prompt steps for filing complaints or First Information Reports (FIRs) with local police stations in cases where public property is damaged or officials face threats or attacks during SIR-related proceedings. A copy of each FIR must be mailed simultaneously to the superintendent of police and the CEO's office in West Bengal, ensuring proper documentation and accountability.
Agarwal emphasized the seriousness of this directive by warning that "delay in filing of FIRs in such cases will be viewed very seriously and adverse inference shall be drawn against the DEO concerned." This stern approach underscores the Election Commission's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes and protecting government staff.
Provisions for Hearing Adjournment in Severe Cases
Beyond the FIR requirement, the CEO's directive includes provisions for handling persistent violence. If destruction of public property or violent incidents continue at a hearing venue, proceedings should be adjourned sine die—meaning indefinitely—and may only resume with explicit approval from the CEO's office. This measure aims to prevent escalation and ensure safety before reconvening.
Background: Recent Incident in Murshidabad District
This directive comes against the backdrop of a recent incident in Farakka, Murshidabad district, where despite an Election Commission order, no FIR has been lodged against Trinamool Congress MLA Manirul Islam. On January 14, a Block Development Officer (BDO) office was vandalized allegedly by TMC protesters, who claimed citizens were being harassed during hearings.
CCTV footage and other videos from the scene reportedly showed Islam and his supporters involved. While an FIR was filed against unknown individuals based on the BDO's complaint, leading to five arrests (later granted bail), the MLA was not named in the report. The poll panel had issued a specific directive on Thursday regarding this case.
In response, Islam sent a letter to the SDO of Jangipur on Friday, stating, "I respectfully clarify that the remarks made by me... were neither intended to undermine the authority of the Election Commission nor to influence the electoral process in any improper manner."
Ensuring Electoral Integrity and Official Safety
The CEO's proactive measures highlight the heightened focus on maintaining order during critical electoral preparations in West Bengal. By enforcing immediate FIR filings and potential adjournments, the authorities aim to:
- Deter violence and property damage at hearing venues
- Protect election officials and staff from threats
- Ensure timely legal action against offenders
- Uphold the credibility of the SIR process
This development reflects the Election Commission's broader efforts to secure electoral activities across the state, particularly in sensitive regions where past incidents have raised concerns. The directive serves as a clear warning to all stakeholders that disruptions will not be tolerated, with strict consequences for non-compliance.
