Bengal SIR Row: The Supreme Court on Friday pronounced its order on a bunch of pleas filed by several politicians and the state government, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The apex court ordered the deputation of judicial officers to adjudicate claims and the objections of persons included in the logical discrepancy list. A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipin Pancholi pronounced key rulings to address the issues related to the SIR.

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The ruling came days after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee herself appeared in the apex court, expressing concerns over the possible mass exclusion of voters during the exercise in the top court.

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Here Are The Key Highlights Of The SC Order:

  • The Supreme Court asked the Calcutta High Court chief justice to spare judicial officers and find former judges to assist in West Bengal SIR work.
  • The top court took a serious note of the West Bengal government not sparing enough grade 'A' officers for the special intensive revision of electoral roll.
  • The apex court said serving and former judicial officers will decide on claims and objections of those who are in logical discrepancy list.
  • SC permitted the poll body to publish the draft list of voters in Bengal on February 28, adding that the supplementary list can also be issued later.
  • The court directed West Bengal district collectors and SPs to provide logistical support and security to judicial officers in the ongoing SIR process.
  • The top court said judicial officers will be assisted by micro-observers and state government officials in Bengal's SIR process.
  • The Supreme Court asked the Calcutta HC Chief Justice to hold a meeting of stakeholders, including the chief secretary, DGP and officials from the Election Commission.
  • The apex court said the orders passed by judicial officers will be deemed as orders of the court, and asked collectors and SPs to comply.