Union Minister Alleges Unauthorised Presence of Former Bengal Chief Secretary at SC-Mandated SIR Meeting

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a Union Minister alleged that a former Chief Secretary of the State attended a Supreme Court-mandated meeting without authorisation. The claim has intensified tensions between the Centre and the State government, with accusations of procedural violations and political interference surfacing in the aftermath.

According to the Union Minister, the meeting in question was convened as part of a Special Investigation Report (SIR) process directed by the Supreme Court. The Minister asserted that the former Chief Secretary’s presence at the gathering was neither formally approved nor legally justified. He described the development as a serious breach of protocol and questioned under what authority the retired bureaucrat participated in the proceedings.

The Minister further argued that meetings held under the supervision or direction of the Supreme Court require strict adherence to prescribed guidelines, including clarity on who is authorised to attend. Any deviation, he suggested, undermines transparency and raises concerns about the integrity of the process. He called for a thorough clarification from the State administration regarding the circumstances under which the former official was present.

The issue has sparked a political exchange between the ruling party in West Bengal and leaders at the Centre. State representatives, however, have downplayed the allegations, indicating that the matter is being unnecessarily politicised. They maintained that due procedures were followed and suggested that the Union Minister’s remarks were aimed at creating controversy rather than addressing substantive issues.

The Supreme Court had earlier directed the SIR meeting to ensure compliance with its orders in a matter linked to governance and administrative accountability in the State. The proceedings were intended to review progress and examine adherence to judicial directives. Given the sensitivity of court-monitored processes, the composition of attendees has now come under scrutiny.

Legal experts note that while retired officials may sometimes be consulted for their expertise, their participation in official meetings—particularly those linked to court directives—typically requires formal approval. The absence of clear documentation authorising such attendance could potentially raise questions, though much depends on the specific context and procedural framework governing the meeting. The controversy comes at a time when relations between the Centre and West Bengal have been marked by frequent disagreements over administrative and political matters. Observers believe the latest dispute may further strain ties unless clarity is provided swiftly.