The Supreme Court has taken a strong stand on the revision of the voter list before the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026. The top court has set a deadline of just one day for updating the electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The court has made it clear that all the remaining claims and objections should be settled today so that transparency is maintained.
Directs the tribunal to re-examine the documents
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant has ordered the special tribunals to re-review all the documents and arguments given by the judicial officers on the basis of which the names have been deleted. The court said:
"We have requested the tribunals to revisit the entire process so that there is no doubt and all parties get a chance for a fair hearing. "
More than 59 lakh cases disposed of so far
The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the court that more than 59 lakh cases have been settled so far on the claims and objections of those who have been removed from the electoral rolls in the state. The Commission assured that:
The remaining cases will be decided today.
The supplementary list of voters will be published by tonight.
In Malda district alone, about 8 lakh claims have been settled.
Mamata Banerjee's lawyer's argument and court's warning
During the hearing, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's counsel said that the 19 tribunals set up to hear appeals are yet to be fully functional. Expressing concern over this, the court said that such an environment should be created so that the work can be expedited.
The court also took a strong stand on the security of judicial officers and warned that if the state machinery fails to function, the court will intervene. In view of the previous violent developments, the Supreme Court has made it clear that the central security forces will not be withdrawn from Bengal for the time being.
A committee of 3 judges will monitor
The Supreme Court has requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to constitute a special committee of three judges to streamline the process of disposal of appeals in the tribunals.