In a significant development amid West Bengal’s electoral preparations, the Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, leading a bench with Justices Jyamalaiya Bagchi and V.M. Pancholi, heard the matter and assured a practical resolution.
Mamata Banerjee, appearing in person before the apex court, passionately argued that the SIR process is discriminatory and targeting Bengal. She highlighted cases where women’s names were deleted post-marriage due to surname changes, and alleged over 100 deaths linked to the chaotic rollout. ‘I’m fighting for everyone, from a simple family,’ she told the bench.
Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing Banerjee, criticized the ECI’s methods, pointing to 8,300 micro-observers without constitutional backing and rejection of valid documents like Aadhaar and domicile certificates. He urged withdrawal of notices issued for minor spelling mismatches affecting nearly 70 lakh voters, with just 11 days left for final voter list publication.
The bench directed the ECI to exercise caution in issuing notices for discrepancies and sought their response. CJI Khanna emphasized protecting genuine voters’ rights, stating, ‘No one can snatch the rights of real voters. We won’t shy away from responsibility.’ The next hearing is scheduled for Monday.
ECI counsel Rakesh Dwivedi defended the measures, blaming the state for providing only 80 Class II officers for Electoral Registration Officer roles, necessitating micro-observers. He noted repeated requests to the state government for better staffing.
This case underscores tensions between state and central poll authorities ahead of key elections, with the court aiming to balance electoral integrity and voter inclusion. Stakeholders await the ECI’s reply as the deadline looms.