Deleted Bengal voters can vote if tribunals clear their appeals: Supreme Court

UPDATED: Apr 16, 2026 17:41 IST

The Supreme Court has cleared the way for thousands of excluded voters in West Bengal to cast their ballots, but only if their appeals are decided in time.

In an order released on Thursday, three days after a key hearing, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi invoked its powers under Article 142 to ensure that eligible voters are not left out of the upcoming Assembly polls.

The court said individuals whose appeals against exclusion from the voter list are allowed by appellate tribunals will be permitted to vote in the two-phase elections scheduled for April 23 and April 29.

"Wherever the Appellate Tribunals are able to decide the appeals by 21.04.2026 or 27.04.2026, as the case may be, such appellate orders shall be given effect to by issuing a supplementary revised electoral roll, and all necessary consequences with respect to the right to vote shall follow," the court said.

At the same time, the top court drew a clear line. "However, it goes without saying that the mere pendency of appeals preferred by excluded persons before the Appellate Tribunals shall not entitle them to exercise their right to vote," it added.

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