SC Refuses Voting Rights to 34 Lakh Excluded Voters in Bengal Amid SIR Row
Supreme Court says voters excluded from electoral rolls cannot vote in West Bengal polls unless appeals are cleared; over 34 lakh cases pending.
The Supreme Court has ruled that individuals excluded from West Bengal’s electoral rolls will not be allowed to vote in the upcoming elections unless their appeals are resolved in time.
Hearing petitions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, the bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant made it clear that permitting such voters would undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The court noted that over 34 lakh appeals have been filed by individuals challenging their exclusion.
During the hearing, petitioners argued that many of those left out are genuine voters and urged the court to allow them to participate in the polls. However, the bench rejected the request, maintaining that only those whose appeals are accepted before the cut-off will be reinstated in the rolls.
The court also directed authorities to ensure continued security for judicial officers in the state, especially in light of tensions reported in Malda district. It stressed that such protection should remain in place until the conclusion of the elections.
Legal representatives from multiple sides, including those appearing for the state government and political parties, participated in the proceedings, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the dispute.
The ruling underscores the critical importance of timely voter verification processes. For citizens, it serves as a reminder to regularly check electoral status and pursue corrections well ahead of election deadlines to avoid last-minute disenfranchisement.