SC orders serving or ex-Calcutta HC judges to oversee West Bengal’s SIR process

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday flagged a trust gap between the Trinamool Congress-led Bengal government and the Election Commission of India over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, and ordered the appointment of either serving or ex-Calcutta High Court judicial officers to oversee the procedure.

“The foremost issue for consideration is the completion of the ongoing SIR in West Bengal. Various interim directions are issued from time to time. There is an unfortunate allegation/counter-allegation which clearly depicts a trust deficit between two constitutional functionaries – democratically elected state government and the ECI," the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said during the hearing.

The court also noted that Judicial officers will be assisted by micro-observers and state government officials in the SIR process. Additionally, SC directed West Bengal district collectors and SPs to provide logistical support and security to judicial officers.

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Meanwhile, 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.