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ECI Sets Up 19 Appellate Tribunals in Bengal for Voter Roll Disputes

The Election Commission of India has constituted 19 Appellate Tribunals to hear appeals against decisions on voter inclusion or exclusion in West Bengal's electoral rolls. This action follows a Supreme Court order and a recommendation from the Calcutta High Court's Chief Justice. The tribunals, mostly headed by former High Court judges, will operate until all appeals are disposed of, aiming to ensure transparency ahead of the state's two-phase Assembly polls. The move is seen as crucial for strengthening confidence in the electoral process.

Key Points: ECI Constitutes 19 Appellate Tribunals for West Bengal Polls

  • 19 tribunals for voter roll appeals
  • Formed per Supreme Court order
  • 18 headed by ex-High Court judges
  • Aims to ensure poll transparency
2 min read

ECI constitutes 19 Appellate Tribunals in Bengal

Election Commission forms 19 tribunals to hear appeals on voter inclusion/exclusion in West Bengal's electoral roll ahead of Assembly polls.

"This notification shall come into force with immediate effect - Election Commission of India"

Kolkata, March 20

The Election Commission of India on Friday issued a notification announcing the constitution of 19 Appellate Tribunals to hear objections on decisions taken by judicial officers during ongoing adjudications of cases classified under the "logical discrepancy" category during the Special Intensive Revision exercise in West Bengal, which is heading for a two‑phase Assembly poll next month.

The notification stated: "In pursuance of the order dated 10.03.2026 passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in W.P. (Civil) No. 1089 of 2025 and ors, and as recommended by the Hon'ble Chief Justice of the High Court at Calcutta, the Election Commission of India ('ECI') hereby constitutes the following Appellate Tribunal(s) for hearing appeals against orders passed by the designated Judicial Officers in respect of inclusion or exclusion of prospective electors in the electoral roll of the State of West Bengal."

Of the 19 tribunals, 18 will be headed by former judges of the High Court, while one will be headed by a former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

Immediate Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam will head the tribunal handling cases from Kolkata, covering the two electoral districts of Kolkata (Dakshin and Uttar), as well as Kolkata‑adjacent North 24 Parganas.

The notification further stated: "Consequent upon the publication of the supplementary electoral roll, appellant may file appeals against the orders passed by the designated Judicial Officers in accordance with this notification."

Appeals at the Appellate Tribunals may be filed either online through the Commission's digital platform or physically at the office of the district magistrate, sub‑division magistrate or sub‑divisional officer, who will ensure digitisation and uploading of the appeal on the ECI NET platform at the earliest.

The notification added: "This notification shall come into force with immediate effect and the above tribunal shall cease to exist immediately after all appeals are disposed of in the respective districts."

The constitution of these tribunals is seen as a crucial step to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

Legal experts note that appeals on voter inclusion or exclusion often determine the credibility of electoral rolls, especially in politically sensitive states like West Bengal.

The move is expected to reassure voters and strengthen confidence in democratic institutions ahead of the polls.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move, but why so late? The polls are next month and these tribunals are being set up now. The "logical discrepancy" cases should have been resolved much earlier. It puts pressure on the system and the voters. The intention is right, but the timing is questionable. 🤔
R
Rohit P
Finally! Voter list manipulation is a big issue in Bengal. My cousin in North 24 Parganas had his name missing last time. The option to file appeals online is a great, modern touch. ECI is trying its best. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As an observer of Indian democracy, this seems like a robust judicial mechanism to safeguard the process. The fact that it's based on a Supreme Court order and the Chief Justice's recommendation shows institutional coordination. A positive step for electoral integrity.
V
Vikram M
The tribunal headed by the immediate former Chief Justice for Kolkata area is a masterstroke. It shows they are serious about the most critical zones. Hope the common man finds the process easy and not lost in legal jargon. 🙏
K
Kavya N
Transparency is key! This is a welcome move. But the real test is implementation. Will the appeals be disposed of quickly and fairly? The notification says they cease to exist after appeals are done, which is good—no unnecessary bureaucracy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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