The Supreme Court took note of alleged irregularities in West Bengal’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, directing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to respond. The Bench highlighted concerns over unusual procedures and potential errors, signaling judicial scrutiny over voter disenfranchisement risks.
Petitioners, represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, alleged significant procedural lapses in the SIR process, including communications sent via WhatsApp and discrepancies in execution. They urged the Court to examine whether these irregularities could affect the integrity of voter rolls. The ECI, defending its June 24 and October 27 orders, claimed the revisions were constitutionally valid under Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and argued that suggestions of widespread voter deletions were “exaggerated and politically motivated.”
The Commission highlighted that 99.77% of electors received pre-filled forms, with a 70.14% return rate, and noted safeguards for vulnerable voters, including multiple booth visits and assistance for the elderly and disabled.
The Bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, flagged the unusual procedural practices, stating, “Very weird procedures were being employed, highlighting that communications appeared to be sent via WhatsApp during the revision.” The Court asked the ECI to submit a consolidated reply addressing all petitions and indicated it would review the matter next week, underscoring the importance of accurate and fair electoral rolls.
Disclaimer: This news/ article includes information received via a syndicated news feed. The original rights remain with the respective publisher.
Picture Source :
