Bengal SIR: Supreme Court allows Calcutta HC to deploy judicial officers from Jharkhand, Odisha; asks EC to bear expenses
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 24, 2026
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The Supreme Court of India has authorized the Calcutta High Court to deploy additional judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha to speed up the verification process of voter inclusion claims in West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The court acknowledged concerns raised by the Calcutta HC Chief Justice about delays, noting that even with 294 judges assigned to review over 50 lakh cases, the process would still take 80 days. To address this, the bench permitted the engagement of experienced civil judges and directed the Election Commission (EC) to cover the expenses for these additional judicial officers.
The decision was driven by an "extraordinary situation" in West Bengal, where a trust deficit between the state government and the EC has hindered progress. The court emphasized that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should be aware of potential consequences if the SIR process is not completed on time. Using its powers under Article 142, the Supreme Court mandated that the final voter list be published by February 28, with any remaining names included in supplementary lists deemed part of the official record.
This unprecedented intervention highlights the judiciary's role in ensuring electoral integrity and efficiency. By directly involving judicial officers in resolving voter claims, the court aims to prevent further delays and ensure a fair and credible election process. The move sets a significant precedent for addressing similar challenges in other regions, underscoring the importance of judicial oversight in maintaining public trust during critical political processes.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026