In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered the deployment of serving and former district judges to assist the Election Commission of India in carrying out the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
Expressing concern over what it termed an “unfortunate blame game” between the poll body and the TMC-led state government, a bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, issued a series of directions to ensure the timely completion of the revision process.
Judicial Officers to Adjudicate Claims and Objections
The court directed that judicial officers be deputed to adjudicate claims and objections raised by individuals placed on the “logical discrepancy” list. These discrepancies reportedly involve issues in linking voters to the 2002 electoral rolls — such as mismatches in parental names or unusual age gaps of less than 15 years or more than 50 years between a voter and a listed parent.
Taking note of the state government’s failure to provide adequate Grade ‘A’ officers for the exercise, the bench asked the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to spare judicial officers and identify retired judges to support the revision work.
Draft Rolls by February 28
The top court permitted the Election Commission to publish the draft electoral rolls by February 28 and allowed for supplementary lists to be issued later if necessary.
It further directed district collectors and superintendents of police across the state to provide logistical support and security to the deputed judicial officers. The bench clarified that orders passed by these officers during the SIR process would be treated as court orders.
Judicial officers will be assisted by micro-observers and state government officials to facilitate smooth conduct of the revision.
Additionally, the court instructed the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to convene a meeting by Saturday involving key stakeholders, including the chief secretary, the director general of police, and a representative from the Election Commission, to coordinate the process.
The Supreme Court’s unprecedented move underscores the seriousness of the electoral roll controversy in West Bengal and aims to ensure transparency and credibility in the voter verification exercise.