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Bengal Poll Roll Deadline Extended by SC; DGP Gets Notice Over Violence

The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal has announced a revised schedule for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls following a Supreme Court order. The Court granted a one-week extension, moving the final publication of the roll from February 14 to February 28 to allow officials more time for scrutiny. It also issued a show-cause notice to the state's Director General of Police over allegations of violence and burning of election records during the process. The Court further directed the state to submit a list of officers for potential deputation to assist the Election Commission.

Key Points: West Bengal Electoral Roll Schedule Revised After SC Order

  • Final roll publication extended to Feb 28
  • SC issues show-cause notice to Bengal DGP
  • Hearing of notices to be done by Feb 14
  • Rationalisation of polling stations by Feb 25
2 min read

West Bengal CEO announces revised SIR schedule for the state

Supreme Court extends Bengal's final electoral roll publication to Feb 28, issues notice to state DGP over alleged violence during revision process.

"To streamline the ongoing SIR exercise and address apprehensions raised by various stakeholders... - Supreme Court Bench"

Kolkata, February 10

The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal announced a revised schedule for the ongoing SIR process in the state on Tuesday, following a Supreme Court order.

In its statement, the CEO said the hearing of notices will be completed by February 14. The review of the documents and disposal of the claim will be completed by February 21.

The statement also said that the rationalisation of polling stations will be completed by February 25. The health parameter checks are to be conducted by February 27. The final electoral roll will be published on February 28.

This revision was announced following the Supreme Court's judgment ordering a one-week extension to publish the final electoral roll under the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal.

The Court also issued a show-cause notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal over allegations of violence and the burning of election records during the revision process.

The final electoral roll, which was earlier scheduled to be published on February 14, will now be released after the extended timeline.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said the extension was necessary as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) required additional time to scrutinise documents and take appropriate decisions.

The Court also took serious note of allegations of violence during the SIR process and issued a show-cause notice to the Director General of Police (DGP), West Bengal, directing him to explain the steps taken to maintain law and order in the State.

"To streamline the ongoing SIR exercise and address apprehensions raised by various stakeholders, we deem it appropriate to issue some additional directions (noting that omit had on the earlier hearing had issued certain directions)", it noted.

The Court directed the West Bengal government to submit, by 5 pm on Tuesday, a list of 8,505 officers proposed to be deputed by the State. It granted the ECI discretion to replace EROs and AEROs and to utilise their services, if required.

"From these officers, the ECI may, after a brief scrutiny of their biodata, shortlist personnel equivalent to the strength of the micro-observers already engaged and provide them brief training to assist the EROs, AEROs and micro-observers," the Court noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move by the SC. Giving extra time to EROs and AEROs will ensure a more accurate voter list. The show-cause notice to the DGP sends a strong message that such lapses in law and order won't be tolerated. The process must be transparent. 👍
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Arjun K
While the extension is welcome for accuracy, it's disappointing that things reached the Supreme Court. The state administration should have ensured a smooth SIR process from the beginning. Burning of records? This is shocking for any Indian citizen.
S
Sarah B
The detailed, day-by-day schedule until Feb 28 provides much-needed clarity. The rationalization of polling stations is crucial for voter convenience. Hope the "health parameter checks" include facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
V
Vikram M
The court granting ECI discretion to replace officers is a key point. It ensures the commission isn't hamstrung by the state's proposed list. The integrity of the electoral roll cannot be compromised, come what may. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
As an observer, it's reassuring to see the judiciary step in to uphold procedural integrity. The training of shortlisted officers to assist EROs is a practical step. The focus should now be on flawless execution of this revised schedule.

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

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