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    Mamata Banerjee Approaches Supreme Court Challenging Election Commission’s Voter Roll Revision in West Bengal

    7 hours ago

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    West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has moved the Supreme Court, filing a writ petition against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the State. The petition raises concerns about the legality and implementation of the voter verification exercise, which is currently underway ahead of upcoming electoral processes.

    According to details placed before the court, the petition was filed in late January and challenges the manner in which the SIR process is being conducted in West Bengal. The Chief Minister has contended that the revision exercise does not conform to the provisions laid down under the Representation of the People Act and the rules governing the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.

    Concerns Over Legal Compliance

    In her petition, Banerjee has argued that the Special Intensive Revision is being carried out in a way that could potentially affect the rights of eligible voters. She has maintained that the statutory framework governing electoral roll revisions requires strict adherence to prescribed procedures, timelines and safeguards, particularly to prevent arbitrary deletions or exclusions.

    Prior to approaching the Supreme Court, the Chief Minister had addressed a formal communication to the Chief Election Commissioner, expressing apprehension over what she described as deviations from established legal norms. The letter reportedly questioned the basis and execution of the revision exercise, especially in the absence of clear and transparent guidelines being communicated to the public.

    Related Petitions and Allegations

    The issue has already reached the apex court through other political representatives from the State. Earlier, a Member of Parliament from the ruling party in West Bengal had filed an application before the Supreme Court, alleging that informal or unwritten directions were being issued to electoral officers during the SIR process. The application suggested that such instructions could undermine uniformity and transparency in voter verification.

    The Supreme Court has, in recent weeks, been monitoring aspects of the electoral roll revision process across States. In connection with the West Bengal exercise, the court had previously issued a series of directions to the Election Commission, emphasising the need for a fair, transparent and orderly verification of voters whose names appeared in lists flagged for discrepancies after the publication of draft electoral rolls.

    Court’s Earlier Directions

    As part of its oversight, the Supreme Court had directed the Election Commission to ensure that individuals identified in the so-called “logical discrepancy” category are given adequate opportunity to verify their details and establish their eligibility. The court underlined that any revision process must not result in disenfranchisement without due process.

    During earlier hearings, senior counsel representing petitioners had submitted before the court that the Election Commission was not fully complying with these directions. These submissions highlighted concerns over procedural lapses and the pace at which verification was being undertaken, particularly in densely populated or rural areas.

    Election Commission’s Stand Awaited

    At this stage, the Election Commission of India has not publicly responded in detail to the specific allegations raised in the Chief Minister’s writ petition. However, the ECI has consistently maintained in various proceedings that electoral roll revisions are routine exercises carried out to maintain accuracy, remove duplications and include eligible new voters, in line with constitutional and statutory responsibilities.

    Legal experts note that the Supreme Court’s examination of the matter will likely focus on whether the SIR process adheres to the letter and spirit of election laws, and whether adequate safeguards are in place to protect voters’ rights.

    Political and Administrative Implications

    The petition assumes significance given West Bengal’s politically sensitive environment and the central role of electoral rolls in ensuring free and fair elections. Any judicial intervention could have implications not only for the ongoing revision exercise in the State but also for similar processes in other parts of the country.

    The case, registered as a writ petition under the Constitution, is expected to come up for preliminary hearing in the coming days. The Supreme Court may seek detailed responses from the Election Commission and consider whether interim directions are required to address the concerns raised.

     

    As the matter unfolds, attention will remain on how the balance is struck between the Election Commission’s mandate to maintain accurate electoral rolls and the constitutional guarantee of citizens’ right to vote without arbitrary exclusion.

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