In an extraordinary directive on Friday, the Supreme Court of India ordered the deployment of serving and retired judicial officers in poll-bound West Bengal.
The apex court directed these officers to supervise the adjudication of claims arising from the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipin Pancholi, examined the matter.
The Bench observed a clear trust deficit between the state government and the Election Commission of India
The court stated that this visible lack of trust had stalled the process at a crucial stage.
The Bench criticised the ongoing exchange of allegations and counter-allegations between the two constitutional authorities.
The court noted that thousands of voters flagged under the ‘logical discrepancy list’ had already submitted documents supporting their inclusion.
It stressed that these claims required impartial and structured adjudication.
Judicial Oversight For Fairness
Citing extraordinary circumstances, the apex court held that judicial intervention had become necessary to safeguard fairness and ensure timely completion.
It requested the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to nominate serving judicial officers to oversee pending objections across districts.
It also sought the nomination of retired officers holding the rank of District Judge or Additional District Judge for the same task.
Each judicial officer will receive assistance from officials deputed by both the ECI and the state government.
The court permitted publication of the final electoral roll on 28 February for completed segments and authorised supplementary lists thereafter.
To facilitate smooth implementation, the Bench directed District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to extend full logistical backing.
It also instructed the West Bengal Director General of Police to submit a supplementary affidavit detailing measures taken on complaints of intimidation against poll officials.
During the hearing, senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Menaka Guruswamy, representing the state, asserted compliance in deploying officers.
Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, appearing for the ECI, disputed this claim and argued that competent Group A officers had not been provided.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the Bench questioned the deployment of inadequate personnel for quasi-judicial functions.
It urged all stakeholders to cooperate and create an enabling environment for judicial officers, warning that failure to conclude the SIR could have serious electoral consequences.
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