New Delhi, 20 February (H.S.): The Supreme Court of India, hearing the matter on Friday, has ordered the deployment of judicial officers in West Bengal to adjudicate claims submitted by individuals listed under the logical inconsistencies category during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter rolls.A bench presided over by Chief Justice Surya Kant requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to make available both serving and retired Additional District Judge-level judicial officers to facilitate the SIR process.

The court directed West Bengal's District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to extend all possible assistance to these judicial officers for seamless implementation. It further instructed the state's Director General of Police to file an affidavit detailing actions taken against threats directed at SIR personnel.

The apex court lamented the unfortunate situation in Bengal, where two constitutional bodies—the Election Commission and the West Bengal government—are locked in mutual recriminations, evincing a stark trust deficit that has stalled the SIR exercise. Faced with these extraordinary circumstances, the court deemed this intervention unavoidable.

All SIR-related procedures having been completed, the court permitted publication of the final voter list by February 28. It clarified that the Election Commission may issue supplementary lists thereafter.On February 9, the court had mandated the state government to ensure over 8,000 personnel working for the Election Commission report to District Election Officers.

On February 4, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally argued before the Supreme Court, lamenting a lack of justice and accusing the Commission of ignoring her six letters—compelling her courtroom appearance.Banerjee questioned why only West Bengal faced such targeting, noting the absence of SIR in Assam and other northern states slated for polls, unlike conditions imposed solely here. She has challenged the SIR process statewide.

The Election Commission, in response, accused Banerjee of undermining SIR through inflammatory speeches, creating an atmosphere of violence and intimidation unparalleled elsewhere. It alleged the state government, Chief Minister, and administration are actively obstructing the Commission's efforts, rendering completion arduous.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar