What is the Petition in Calcutta HC Seeking Court-Monitored SIR in Bengal?
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Synopsis
A recent petition in the Calcutta High Court calls for a court-supervised Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, amid tensions between political parties. The urgency of the revision timeline has sparked debate, as the Trinamool Congress raises concerns over potential electoral integrity. Explore the implications of this legal move and its impact on the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- The petition seeks court oversight for the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal.
- Concerns over the timeline and electoral integrity have been raised by political parties.
- The SIR process is set to begin on November 4, with a final voters' list due by February 7.
Kolkata, Oct 31 (NationPress) A petition was submitted to the Calcutta High Court on Friday, requesting a court-monitored Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.
The division bench of Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Smita Das De has accepted the petition.
The petitioner is also asking for the court's help to extend the timeline for carrying out the revision process.
Additionally, they are requesting that the Calcutta High Court direct the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide a comprehensive justification for the necessity of the SIR.
This week, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar declared SIR for 12 states, including West Bengal, with the initial phase scheduled to commence on November 4.
The draft electoral list is expected to be published on December 9, allowing political parties and individual voters to file complaints regarding the draft, which will be handled by the ECI and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal.
Ultimately, the final voters' list will be released by the ECI on February 7 of the following year.
The Trinamool Congress has already expressed concerns about the timeline set for the SIR process. Party general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee argued that if the goal was to create an error-free electoral roll, the revision should take place over a reasonable duration rather than in haste.
He stated, "Their intention is not to produce a flawless voters' list. In truth, SIR stands for 'Silent Invisible Rigging.' The last revision in West Bengal took nearly two years, yet they claim this will be finished in just two months."
Conversely, the BJP has asserted that the Trinamool Congress opposes the revision out of fear that it will result in the removal of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya voters' names from the electoral rolls.
Point of View
It is essential to remain unbiased while reporting on significant political developments such as the petition in the Calcutta High Court for a court-monitored SIR in West Bengal. The ongoing discourse reflects the complexities of electoral integrity and the differing perspectives of political parties involved. It is crucial to ensure that the electoral process remains transparent and fair, upholding the democratic values that our nation cherishes.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated by the Election Commission to update and rectify the electoral rolls, ensuring accuracy and fairness in the voting process.
Why is the Calcutta High Court involved?
The Calcutta High Court is involved because a petition has been filed requesting court supervision over the SIR process to ensure transparency and address concerns raised by political parties.
What are the main concerns raised by the Trinamool Congress?
The Trinamool Congress has expressed concerns regarding the expedited timeline for the revision, suggesting that it may compromise the integrity of the electoral roll preparation.
When will the first stage of the SIR begin?
The first stage of the SIR in West Bengal is scheduled to commence on November 4.
What is the final deadline for the voters' list?
The final voters' list is set to be published by the Election Commission on February 7 of the following year.
