The scrutiny phase deadline for voters’ documents in West Bengal has passed, leaving uncertainty about the number of “logical discrepancy” cases to be verified by judicial officers. A meeting chaired by Calcutta High Court’s Chief Justice Sujoy Paul decided to appoint 250 judicial officers to handle claims and objections from the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the state. However, the exact number of voters’ documents to be referred for adjudication by the judicial officers remains unknown.
An insider from the CEO’s office mentioned that an estimated 45 to 50 lakh voters’ documents may need adjudication by the judicial officers. Justice Paul expressed concerns during the meeting about the feasibility of handling such a large number within a short timeframe. He is expected to have a virtual meeting with the Election Commission of India’s top official for further clarifications.
The final voters’ list in West Bengal is set to be published on February 28 as scheduled, excluding the documents referred to judicial officials for adjudication. Supplementary lists will follow accordingly. The Calcutta High Court has also issued a notification cancelling leaves of all judicial officers in the state until March 9, with exceptions for emergency medical leaves.
