In a decisive move to expedite the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Calcutta High Court has cancelled all leaves for judicial officers across West Bengal. This order, issued in compliance with a Supreme Court directive dated February 24, 2026, aims to tackle over 45 lakh pending cases, particularly those involving logical discrepancies in voter lists.
The directive covers Civil Judges (Senior Division), Chief Judicial Magistrates, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrates, and Civil Judges (Junior Division)/Judicial Magistrates. No leaves are permitted except in medical emergencies, affecting even officers on deputation. Those currently on leave must report back to their courts by noon on February 25, 2026. All pre-approved leaves stand revoked immediately.
Officers receiving transfer orders must join new postings without transit leave. Some have been instructed to resume duties ahead of schedule and take charge promptly. Training programs at the West Bengal Judicial Academy and out-of-state sessions are suspended for all except probationers.
The High Court has formed district-level committees to ensure smooth implementation. Any negligence will invite strict action, underscoring the urgency to resolve the massive backlog amid the SIR campaign. This step is crucial as millions of disputed voter entries demand swift judicial scrutiny to clean up the electoral rolls before deadlines.
Legal experts view this as a bold judicial intervention to safeguard democracy, preventing potential electoral malpractices. The SIR process, focused on verifying voter data, has unearthed significant anomalies, making accelerated disposal imperative. Courts at all levels are now on high alert, prioritizing these cases over routine matters.