SC allows certain voters in Bengal SIR case to cast vote (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday issued key directions in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, allowing certain categories of voters to exercise their franchise subject to appellate decisions.
Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to implement decisions taken by appellate tribunals and ensure eligible individuals are included in the voting process.
The court clarified that individuals whose appeals are allowed by the appellate tribunal will be eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Additionally, those whose appeals are disposed of by April 21 or April 27 will also be permitted to cast their ballots.
However, the bench made it clear that merely filing an appeal does not grant voting rights. Only those whose cases have been decided in their favour will be eligible.
To facilitate voting for eligible individuals, the court directed the ECI to publish a supplementary revised electoral roll. This step is aimed at ensuring that voters whose appeals are accepted are not excluded from the democratic process.
The court emphasised that timely updates to voter lists are crucial for maintaining electoral fairness.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined to fix a specific timeline for appellate tribunals to decide pending cases.
At present, around 700 judicial officers from West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand have been deployed to handle over 60 lakh objections related to voter list exclusions.
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The court also reiterated that security arrangements for judicial officers involved in the SIR exercise will remain in place until the completion of the election process. It stated that such protection cannot be withdrawn without prior approval.
During the hearing, the bench sought details regarding individuals arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the April 1 gherao of judicial officers in Malda. The court questioned whether those involved had any political links and stressed that the matter must be taken to its logical conclusion.
The directions come amid heightened scrutiny of the voter revision process in West Bengal, with the court aiming to balance administrative efficiency and electoral rights.
