Supreme Court Directs Deployment of Judges for Electoral Roll Revision in West Bengal
New Delhi/Kolkata: The Supreme Court of India has directed 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.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi passed a series of fresh directions to ensure the timely completion of the SIR process in the state.
Taking serious note of the state government’s failure to spare an adequate number of Grade ‘A’ officers for the revision exercise, the apex court ordered the deputation of judicial officers to adjudicate claims and objections of individuals placed under the “logical discrepancy list.” The bench also asked the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to make available serving judicial officers and identify former judges to assist in the SIR work.
The court permitted the Election Commission to publish the draft voters’ list in the state by February 28, while also allowing the poll panel to issue supplementary lists subsequently, if required.
Further, the bench directed district collectors and Superintendents of Police in West Bengal to provide necessary logistical support and security to the judicial officers deputed for the ongoing revision process. It clarified that the orders passed by these judicial officers would be deemed as orders of the court.
The Supreme Court also stated that the judicial officers would be assisted by micro-observers and officials of the state government during the SIR process.
In addition, the apex court instructed the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to convene a meeting by Saturday with all stakeholders, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, and an official from the Election Commission, to ensure smooth coordination and effective implementation of the electoral roll revision exercise.
The directions are aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and timely completion of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
By:- Meghana Ganesh
