In an unprecedented move ahead of upcoming polls in West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Friday issued an “extraordinary order” directing the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to appoint serving and retired judicial officers to oversee the state’s voter list revisions. The intervention aims to resolve a persistent deadlock and “trust deficit” between the Mamata Banerjee-led state government and the Election Commission.
The dispute stems from a prolonged disagreement over the deputation and rank of officers assigned to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral rolls. Hearing SIR-related cases in Bengal, the Supreme Court noted that it had become “nearly impossible” to decide the appropriate rank of officials to be deployed by either the state government or the Election Commission.
Recognizing what it termed “extraordinary circumstances” arising from this administrative stalemate, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M Pancholi stepped in to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Adjudicating Logical Discrepancies
Under the Supreme Court’s directive, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court will appoint judicial officers at the level of district judge or additional district judge. These appointees will act as Electoral Register Officers (ERO).
Their primary mandate will be the impartial adjudication of pending claims and objections regarding inclusions and exclusions in the voter list. The bench specifically noted that these judicial officers will handle cases involving “logical discrepancies” in the electoral rolls.
Security and Logistical Support
To ensure the judicial officers can execute their duties without hindrance, the top court outlined a comprehensive support structure. The judicial officers will be assisted by micro-observers and officials from the state government.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court issued strict directives to the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs) across West Bengal, mandating them to provide complete logistical support and adequate security to the appointed officers throughout the revision process.
