West Bengal SIR: SC directs Calcutta HC to deploy serving and former judges for voter list revision

The Supreme Court of India has intervened to resolve the impasse between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Government of West Bengal over the appointment and rank of officers for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral rolls. The court observed that it was “almost impossible” to determine the anticipated rank of officers to be deployed by both parties.

A bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) has asked the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to appoint incumbent and former judicial officers of the rank of District Judges or Additional District Judges to decide pending claims and objections regarding inclusion and exclusion in the voters’ list, especially for cases involving “logical inconsistencies”.

The Supreme Court directed West Bengal district collectors and superintendents of police to provide logistical support and security to judicial officers involved in the SIR process. It was also stated that while the Election Commission was allowed to publish the draft voter list in Bengal on February 28, the supplementary list could be published later.

The court instructed local authorities to comply fully, emphasizing that “orders given by judicial officers shall be deemed court orders.”

Noting the reluctance of the state government to allocate adequate Class ‘A’ officers for the revision work, the bench asked the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to hold a meeting with key stakeholders, including the Chief Secretary, DGP and Election Commission officials, to ensure smooth conduct of the SIR.

Current and former judicial officers will now decide on claims and objections from people listed under the “logical inconsistency” category, in a move aimed at expediting Special Intensive Revision.