New Delhi: In a significant blow to the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, the Supreme Court on Friday mandated the involvement of judicial officers in the state’s ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, marking a historic first for such processes.
The apex court, highlighting a “huge lack of trust” between the state administration and the Election Commission, directed the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice to appoint serving judicial officers and retired additional district judges to handle pending claims and objections in each district.
This move aims to resolve logical discrepancies amid mutual accusations flying between the two sides.
“It is the responsibility of the state government to deploy Group A officers for the ERO position,” the Supreme Court bench observed during the hearing, underscoring the government’s duty in ensuring a fair electoral process.
The court further instructed officials from the West Bengal government and the Election Commission to convene a meeting on Saturday to iron out implementation details.
The Calcutta High Court Chief Justice will outline the workflow for SIR-related resolutions, potentially streamlining what has been a contentious exercise.
This order comes amid escalating tensions over the SIR, where the Election Commission has raised concerns about the state’s handling of voter registrations. Political analysts view it as a check on potential biases, ensuring greater transparency ahead of future polls.
The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic integrity, especially in a state known for its charged political landscape.