The process of adjudicating voters’ documents flagged for “logical discrepancy” by judicial officers, as per the Supreme Court’s directive, will commence on Monday after 11 a.m. The final decisions made by the judicial adjudicators regarding these documents will be conclusive, following the apex court’s instructions. Initially, 150 session judges appointed by the Calcutta High Court will be involved in this adjudication process.
Around 250 judicial officers have been tasked with overseeing the adjudication process, which will be monitored at the district level by three-member committees established under the Calcutta High Court’s guidance. Each district supervisory committee will consist of the district judge, the district magistrate (also the district electoral officer), and the relevant district superintendent of police.
Among the 250 judicial officers involved, approximately 100 are judges presiding over courts dealing with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The remaining officers are session judges from different courts. Detailed procedural guidelines for the adjudication process were discussed during a meeting in Kolkata on Sunday between the judicial officers and representatives of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
During the meeting, judicial officers were instructed to verify voters’ identity using only the 13 specified documents outlined by the ECI for individuals identified under the “logical discrepancy” category. This instruction is particularly relevant in light of objections raised by the Trinamool Congress, questioning the limitation to the specified 13 documents and requesting the consideration of additional identity proofs issued by state government agencies.
The final electoral roll in West Bengal is scheduled for publication on February 28, excluding cases referred for judicial adjudication. Supplementary electoral rolls will follow after the completion of the adjudication process. Efforts are underway to conclude the adjudication process by February 28 to facilitate the prompt publication of supplementary lists. However, with around 50 lakh documents referred for adjudication, meeting this deadline remains uncertain.
The Calcutta High Court has issued a notification canceling the leave of all judicial officers in West Bengal until March 9, except for those on emergency medical leave, and directed officers on leave to resume duty by Monday.
