Are OBC Certificates Issued After 2010 Valid for Identity During SIR Hearings?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the ECI has declared that OBC certificates from West Bengal issued post-2010 are invalid for identity verification in SIR hearings, impacting numerous stakeholders. This decision follows a prior court ruling and emphasizes the importance of adhering to electoral guidelines. Stay informed on how this could affect the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI has invalidated OBC certificates issued after 2010 for identity verification.
- This decision follows a directive from the Calcutta High Court.
- Electoral officers are responsible for enforcing this ruling.
- Citizens must ensure they have valid identity documents for the electoral process.
Kolkata, Jan 1 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it clear that Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates issued by the West Bengal government post-2010, which were previously annulled by the Calcutta High Court, will not be recognized as valid identity documents during the current hearing sessions regarding claims and objections to the draft electoral roll in the state.
These sessions are part of the second phase in the three-part Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters’ list in West Bengal.
This clarification was prompted by a directive from the single-judge bench of Justice Krishna Rao on December 24, instructing the ECI to confirm within a week if OBC certificates issued after 2010 would be accepted as supporting documents during the SIR process.
As per sources from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, the ECI stated unequivocally that these OBC certificates will not be accepted as valid identity documents under any circumstances.
The Commission has also held Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), District Magistrates (DMs), and District Electoral Officers (DEOs) responsible for ensuring strict adherence to this directive.
In December, the West Bengal unit of the BJP petitioned Justice Rao’s bench, seeking the court's intervention to prevent the use of OBC certificates issued after 2010 as supporting documents during the hearing on claims and objections regarding the draft voters' list published on December 16.
After the hearing on December 24, Justice Rao directed the ECI to clarify its position on this matter.
The petitioner's counsel pointed out that on May 22, 2025, a division bench of the Calcutta High Court, comprising Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Rajasekhar Mantha, had annulled all OBC certificates issued by the West Bengal government after 2010.
During the verdict, the division bench also stated that these certificates should not be utilized for any future purposes.
Therefore, the petitioner's counsel argued that such invalidated OBC certificates should not be accepted as identity proof in the second phase of the three-phase SIR in the state.
The ECI had identified 13 documents as acceptable forms of identity proof, which include certificates for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and OBC.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of the ECI's recent clarification. This decision not only aligns with judicial rulings but also reinforces the integrity of the electoral process. It is essential for citizens to understand the importance of valid documentation during elections, ensuring transparency and trust in the system. NationPress remains committed to delivering unbiased news on such significant matters.
NationPress
09/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are OBC certificates issued after 2010 not valid?
The Election Commission of India declared that these certificates have been annulled by the Calcutta High Court, making them invalid as identity documents during SIR hearings.
What are the implications of this ruling?
This ruling significantly affects individuals relying on OBC certificates for identity verification in the electoral process, emphasizing the need for valid documentation.
What documents are accepted as identity proof during SIR hearings?
The ECI has specified 13 valid documents for identity proof, including certificates for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and OBC.
