The Election Commission has ramped up oversight in West Bengal, directing the state machinery to meticulously follow a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Issued on January 19, 2026, the order addresses concerns over the burden on millions of voters amid discrepancies in electoral records.
Central to the mandate is the case of Mostari Banu vs. Election Commission (Writ Petition Civil No. 1089/2025), which highlighted the need for hassle-free procedures. Hearings and document submissions must now occur at accessible locations: village panchayat offices, block headquarters, sub-divisional public spots, and urban ward offices.
To manage the massive workload—spanning 1.25 to 1.36 crore citizens in the logical discrepancy bracket—the Chief Electoral Officer must provide ample personnel at all sites. District magistrates and police heads are equally accountable for staffing and securing these locations against disruptions.
Heightened vigilance from the DGP, Kolkata CP, and SPs ensures no law-and-order issues mar the proceedings. Non-compliance by any official risks severe repercussions, as per the EC’s stern warning.
The court’s intervention was prompted by the scale of notices affecting 20% of the state’s populace, advocating measures like public name listings, proxy submissions via representatives, and recognizing school admit cards. As West Bengal gears up for its 2026 polls, this revision promises a cleaner voter registry, fostering trust in the electoral system and preventing potential controversies.