‘Won’t allow any impediment in SIR’: SC’s clear message to states on Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s plea | India News
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Monday said it would not allow any “obstacles” in the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in states. The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions related to the West Bengal SIR, including a petition Mamata Banerjee which, among other things, challenged the method of classifying voters in the “logical inconsistency” list.“Whatever order or clarification is required, we will issue. But we will not allow any obstruction in the SIR. It must be understood by all states,” Live Law quoted the Chief Justice of India as saying.The SC directed the Bengal government to assign SIR duties to Group B officers in the Election Commission, so that they can replace the ECI-appointed micro-observers. It clarified that only electoral registration officers can give final orders on claims and objections, while micro-observers can only assist.The bench extended the deadline for scrutiny of documents and objections by at least a week beyond February 14, the date set for publication of the final electoral roll.It asked the state director general of police to file a personal affidavit regarding the ECI’s concerns regarding threats and violence against SIR officials.Banerjee’s long-running tussle with the Election Commission over the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll came to a head last week when she appeared in person at the Supreme Court, seeking its intervention to “protect democracy”.
He questioned the ongoing SIR exercise in the state, alleging that Bengal was being deliberately targeted and its residents were being “steamrolled” through the corrections process.The bench also took up a public interest litigation filed by the Sanatani Sangsad seeking appointment of state police officers under the Election Commission of India till the final voter list is published. In response, the ECI alleged violence, intimidation and interference in SIR-related duties in West Bengal.
