New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ordered the creation of appellate tribunals staffed by retired High Court judges to handle challenges against exclusions from West Bengal's voter rolls. This move comes as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court reported that over 10 lakh objections and claims have already been processed within the state's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The court's directive establishes a formal avenue for individuals whose names might be removed from the voter list during this intensive revision process. The tribunals will be headed by former Chief Justices and comprise former High Court judges, with the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court tasked with determining the exact number of members and fixing their honorariums. This aims to provide an independent layer of review after initial decisions on deletions are made.
Read More: Kerala Speaker Says Minister's Wife's Claims Are "Closed Chapter"
The court also underscored the need for robust logistical support from the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the judicial officers undertaking this significant workload. Reports indicate that over 500 judicial officers have been engaged in the SIR exercise, working extended hours, including holidays, to address the influx of claims and objections.
Judicial Officers Grapple with Overwhelming Volume
The sheer scale of the SIR process in West Bengal is evident in the numbers presented to the Supreme Court. Judicial officers have been tasked with resolving approximately 50 lakh cases related to voter claims and objections. The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court's communication to the Supreme Court confirms that 10.16 lakh objections and claims have so far been decided. This means a substantial portion of the cases, around one-fifth of the total estimated 60 lakh under scrutiny, have seen some form of resolution.
Read More: West Bengal Election Commission Visit Faces Protests Over 60 Lakh Voter List Issues
The court has also called for the ECI to provide enhanced logistical support to facilitate the verification of these claims and objections.
Background: A Contentious Voter List Revision
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal has been a subject of legal scrutiny. Concerns were raised regarding the absence of an independent appellate mechanism for those facing potential exclusion from the voter list.
In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court has directed the formation of these appellate tribunals. The court's observation, voiced by the Chief Justice of India, that it was "doubting the bona fides of both sides," suggests a prevailing skepticism regarding the fairness and transparency of the process.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had also authorized the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to deploy additional civil judges, senior and junior divisions, if required, to expedite the SIR process. There was also a suggestion to seek assistance from judicial officers in neighboring states like Jharkhand and Odisha if further human resources were needed. The court has previously extended deadlines for the SIR process, acknowledging the complexities involved.
Read More: Supreme Court Orders New Tribunals for West Bengal Voter List Changes