The Supreme Court of India issued an unprecedented directive on Friday, mandating that judicial officers in West Bengal serve as Electoral Register Officers (ERO) to oversee the adjudication of claims and objections during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the state’s electoral rolls.

This decision underscores the court’s recognition of the existing “trust deficit” between the Mamata Banerjee-led state administration and the Election Commission of India. The court deemed the situation in West Bengal to warrant an extraordinary step, considering the complexities involved in the electoral process.

Appointment of Judicial Officers

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, conducted hearings related to the SIR for West Bengal’s electoral rolls. In light of the unique circumstances affecting the electoral process, the bench instructed the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to designate both active and retired judicial officers at the district judge or additional district judge level. These officers will be responsible for addressing outstanding claims and objections concerning voter list changes, particularly those associated with what the court referred to as “logical discrepancies.”

Deadlock between Election Commission and State Government

The Supreme Court’s intervention comes as a response to the ongoing impasse between the Election Commission and the West Bengal government regarding the ranks and the deputation of officials required for the SIR undertaking. The court noted that it was “nearly impossible” to ascertain the suitable ranks for officials to be assigned by either party in the current standoff. The court’s order aims to facilitate a smoother electoral revision process in the state, especially as elections approach.

Implications for the Electoral Process

This development indicates the Supreme Court’s proactive approach to ensuring that electoral processes in West Bengal are conducted fairly and effectively. The involvement of judicial officers is expected to bring a measure of impartiality and reliability to the proceedings, given the contentious backdrop of political relations in the state. By assigning judicial officers to this critical role, the Supreme Court aims to mitigate tensions and enhance the integrity of the electoral framework in West Bengal.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share