The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state. The petition, listed for hearing by a Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, includes concerns about potential voter exclusions. Banerjee alleges that the Election Commission of India’s actions show political bias and could lead to the removal of marginalized voters.
In her plea, Banerjee argues that the ongoing SIR process unfairly impacts vulnerable groups and requests measures to prevent genuine voters from being left out of the electoral rolls. The Supreme Court had previously intervened to resolve disputes between the West Bengal government and the Election Commission regarding the revision exercise. Judicial officers were directed to assist in handling objections and claims filed by voters.
The apex court’s directive involved the nomination of serving and retired judicial officers to aid in the adjudication of voter claims and objections during the revision process. The Election Commission officials and the West Bengal government were tasked with supporting the judicial officers in this process. Additionally, judicial officers from neighboring High Courts were permitted to assist in expediting the resolution of voter claims and objections arising from the SIR exercise.
Under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court clarified that the Election Commission could proceed with finalizing the electoral roll even if certain cases were pending adjudication. It was emphasized that voters included in subsequent supplementary lists would be considered part of the final electoral roll.
