The Trinamool Congress has written to Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul expressing concern over 11 party candidates whose cases are pending judicial adjudication. West Bengal Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya penned the letter, listing the candidates and urging expedited judicial proceedings. The party also requested the Chief Justice to ensure that the Election Commission of India clearly states reasons for exclusion in its list of excludable voters.
The Trinamool Congress further asked for daily publication of supplementary lists, with the first already out and the second awaited. However, as of now, there is no update on the release date of the second supplementary list from either the Election Commission or the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal. It remains uncertain whether the upcoming list will include names cleared up to Thursday night or those processed by Friday evening.
By Thursday night, judicial adjudication had been completed for 36 lakh voters, approximately 60% of the 60 lakh cases referred for adjudication, as per sources in the CEO’s office. The final voters’ list in West Bengal, excluding the 60 lakh cases for adjudication, was published on February 28, with plans for supplementary lists based on adjudication progress.
Voters found excludable by judicial officers will have the option to appeal at any of the 19 Appellate Tribunals set up for this purpose.
