West Bengal SIR: 60 lakh claims of those deleted from voters' list to be decided on Monday, says Supreme Court

Observing that the central forces will remain deployed, keeping in mind the recent incidents, the Supreme Court on Monday (April 6, 2026) said around 60 lakh claims and objections of those removed from voters’ lists in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound West Bengal will be decided during the day.

The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court told the Supreme Court that as of 12:04 p.m. on April 6, that over 59.15 lakh out of over 60 lakh objections have been decided by the judicial officers in West Bengal SIR.

Also Read: West Bengal SIR hearing Highlights on April 6, 2026

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi resided over the case.

“The central forces will not be withdrawn from West Bengal looking at the way things have happened in the past,” the CJI said, adding that, “If State machinery fails, then we will see what can be done.” The bench observed that even in Malda district, where judicial officers reportedly faced disruptions including gherao, around eight lakh cases had been disposed of.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), represented by senior advocate D.S. Naidu, informed the bench that the remaining claims would be decided during the day and that a supplementary electoral roll would be published later on Monday night (April 6).

Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta said that new documents should not be submitted in the appellate stage. Senior advocate Kalyan Bandhopadhyay, for TMC leaders, said the ECI had not given receipts for documents submitted in the objection stage.

“Appeals are ‘trickling’ in. Those filed online are getting acknowledgments/receipts. Those filed physically, I will check,” Mr. Naidu said.

The court also allowed time until April 7 for completing pending digital signature uploads.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, submitted that 19 appellate tribunals set up to hear challenges against voter deletions were yet to become fully operational.

The bench directed the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to constitute a three-member panel of former senior judges to frame uniform procedures for these tribunals.

The panel has been asked to finalise guidelines by April 7 to ensure expeditious disposal of appeals.

The court clarified that tribunals would have the authority to examine reasons for inclusion or exclusion from voter rolls and review documentary evidence, including records not uploaded online.

The court expressed concern over reported threats and obstruction faced by judicial officers during the revision process and warned that if State machinery fails to ensure safety, it would consider appropriate measures.

In view of past incidents, the bench also indicated that central forces would not be withdrawn from West Bengal at this stage.

During the hearing, the bench emphasised the need to create an environment enabling tribunals to function effectively and fairly. Justice Bagchi underscored that the role of the ECI is to expand electoral participation rather than restrict it.

(with inputs from PTI)