Supreme Court Issues Show Cause Notice to Bengal DGP Amid Voter List Row

New Delhi:  The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued a series of interim directions to streamline the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, cautioning against politicisation while addressing manpower and security concerns. To streamline the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and address concerns raised by stakeholders, the Supreme Court has laid down additional instructions.  

The Court ordered the West Bengal Government to submit by 5 pm tomorrow a list of 8,505 officers it proposes to depute for the exercise. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been given full discretion to replace existing Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs (AEROs), and to deploy these officers wherever necessary.  

From the remaining pool, the ECI may conduct a quick review of their biodata, select personnel equal to the number of micro-observers already engaged, and provide them brief training. These officers will then assist the EROs, AEROs, and micro-observers in carrying out the revision.  

The Court clarified that the role of these deputed officers will be limited to assisting in the process, while the final authority and decision-making will rest solely with the EROs.  

Interim Directions to Streamline SIR

A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and NV Anjaria, directed that state government officials can be appointed as micro-observers to assist the Election Commission of India (ECI). This marks a significant shift, as the ECI had earlier deployed observers from outside the state citing manpower shortages.

The Court also ordered that the 8,555 officers deputed by the West Bengal government report to District Collectors immediately to ensure progress before the February 14 deadline for final publication of the rolls.

Show Cause Notice to DGP

In a strong move, the Supreme Court issued a show cause notice to the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP), directing him to file a personal affidavit on allegations that the SIR process was crippled by threats, violence, and intimidation, as flagged by the ECI. The Bench stressed that constitutional processes must be safeguarded from disruption.

Concerns Over Voter Flags

The Court also examined the controversial “logical discrepancy” list generated by software, which flagged nearly 1.36 crore voters,  about 20% of the electorate. Senior Advocate Shyam Divan warned that minor spelling variations, middle name mismatches, and unrealistic family size assumptions were leading to mass exclusions. Justice Bagchi criticised the software’s inability to account for social realities such as early marriages.

Allegations of Violence and Anonymous Objections

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that the ECI was being threatened and that violence was being instigated by political leaders. TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee countered, claiming that anonymous individuals were filing thousands of objections, disproportionately affecting minority constituencies.

What Lies Ahead

With the final electoral roll due on February 14, the next few days are critical. The Supreme Court has asked the ECI to scrutinise the newly deputed officers and report back on their suitability. The Bench made clear that while it will remove hurdles, it will not allow the process to be derailed.

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