Tensions over West Bengal’s voter list revision escalated as the Supreme Court issued notices to the Election Commission on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s petition. The Wednesday session before CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justices Jyamalaiya Bagchi, and V.M. Pancholi focused on streamlining the contentious SIR process.
Banerjee’s courtroom presence was compelling; she spoke of her humble origins while battling for millions affected by SIR glitches. Key complaints included arbitrary deletions for name variations, non-acceptance of Aadhaar or certificates, marathon queues, BLO suicides, and tragic deaths surpassing 100. She alleged targeted harassment of Bengal residents.
Counsel Shyam Divan pressed urgency: final lists in 11 days, 70 lakh hit by mismatch notices without rationale, and unmandated micro-observers numbering 8,300. Relief sought: retract notices for spelling errors.
The ECI, via Rakesh Dwivedi, pointed fingers at state lapses in officer staffing, prompting observer deployments after ignored requests.
The bench urged precision in notices, reaffirmed voter rights, and scheduled Monday’s continuation. CJI Khanna noted, ‘We’ll seek practical solutions; genuine voters’ rights are paramount.’
With elections on horizon, the court’s proactive stance aims to avert disenfranchisement, balancing scrutiny against inclusion in a politically charged atmosphere.