The Supreme Court on Monday, May 4, 2026, affirmed that the elected political executive in West Bengal will decide on law and order matters in the state. This statement was issued by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi during an urgent oral hearing on the continuation of Central paramilitary forces after the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.

The court's observation came in response to a plea urging the Centre to maintain Central forces in the state to prevent post-poll violence. The Bench emphasized that governance, including public order, rests with the state's political executive, underscoring constitutional principles of federal structure and executive authority.

The ruling clarifies that decisions on security deployment post-elections lie with the state government, subject to coordination with the Union government as required. The court did not issue immediate directives on troop deployment, leaving operational decisions to executive authorities. The situation will be closely monitored as the post-election period approaches.