West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the state.
The petition relates to the deletion of a large number of names from the voter lists during the ongoing revision exercise, which the Chief Minister claims has affected genuine voters ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Allegation of Large-Scale Deletions
According to submissions made by the West Bengal government, approximately 58 lakh voter names were removed during the revision process. Banerjee has alleged that many of those deleted include senior citizens, migrant workers, and long-time residents.
She has contended that the deletions were carried out without adequate prior notice or opportunity for affected voters to respond, raising concerns about procedural fairness.
Challenge to Election Commission Orders
The Chief Minister has sought to quash the ECI’s orders authorising the Special Intensive Revision, arguing that the exercise disproportionately impacts sections of voters traditionally aligned with the ruling Trinamool Congress.
The petition claims that the timing of the revision—close to the upcoming state elections—could have electoral implications and warrants judicial scrutiny.
ECI’s Position
The Election Commission has maintained that voter roll revisions are conducted periodically to ensure accuracy and remove duplicate or ineligible entries, as mandated under election laws.
Officials have stated that the Special Intensive Revision follows established guidelines and provides mechanisms for voters to file claims and objections.
Political Context
The case comes amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both sides accusing each other of attempting to influence the electoral process.
The revision exercise has also placed pressure on election officials on the ground. In recent weeks, reports of stress-related incidents involving booth-level officers have drawn attention to the challenges of implementing large-scale electoral revisions.
Supreme Court Hearing
The matter is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court as the Election Commission moves towards finalising voter rolls in certain areas by February 7.
The court is expected to examine whether due process was followed and whether any interim relief is required before final voter lists are published.
Significance of the Case
The case underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between maintaining accurate electoral rolls and protecting the voting rights of eligible citizens.
Any ruling by the Supreme Court is likely to have broader implications for voter list revision practices across the country.
