In Shorts
- Supreme Court extends West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision deadline by one week.
- CJI Surya Kant warns that no impediments to the electoral roll revision will be allowed.
- Bench orders West Bengal authorities to assist fully with officer deployment and scrutiny.
New Delhi The Supreme Court of India on February 9 granted a crucial extension in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, responding to legal challenges and operational issues surrounding the exercise. A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant ruled that the deadline for scrutiny of claims and objections will now stretch at least one week beyond the earlier cut-off of February 14, giving officials more time to complete the process.
During the hearing, the bench made it clear that it will not allow any obstruction to stall or delay the SIR process. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasised that the court will issue directions wherever needed, but the overall exercise must proceed without hindrance. This admonition was directed not only at West Bengal but all states involved in similar revision efforts.
The extension was considered necessary due to the volume of documents and objections requiring detailed scrutiny. The court observed that affected individuals have submitted evidence and responses to notices issued as part of the SIR process, and this requires sufficient time for fair evaluation by electoral officials.
In addition to the extension, the apex court outlined several administrative directives. The bench instructed the West Bengal government to make Group B officers available to the Election Commission of India for SIR duties, specifying that these officers could replace the micro-observers currently deployed. The court clarified that micro-observers assist but do not have final decision-making authority on voter list changes.
The bench also asked the state’s Director General of Police to file a personal affidavit addressing allegations related to threats and violence against officials involved in the revision exercise. These directions aim to ensure that the process remains free of intimidation and that law and order are maintained.
The developments come amid heightened scrutiny of the SIR process in West Bengal, which has been challenged by political leaders, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Her petition raised concerns about procedures and the treatment of voters flagged for potential exclusion. The Supreme Court’s order underscores its commitment to an inclusive, fair, and uninterrupted revision of electoral rolls in preparation for upcoming elections.
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