Supreme Court takes strict action in West Bengal SIR case... Extends deadline by a week, asks DGP for affidavit
The Supreme Court of India has extended the deadline for the voter list verification process in the West Bengal SIR case by one week and has ordered the state's DGP to file a personal affidavit regarding election disruptions.
In a recent hearing regarding the Special Investigation Report (SIR) case in West Bengal, the Supreme Court issued several important directives aimed at ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The court has granted an additional week after February 14 to complete the verification of the voter list, highlighting its commitment to maintaining electoral fairness. Furthermore, in response to incidents of election disruptions and burning of forms, the court has summoned the stateโs Director General of Police (DGP) to personally submit an affidavit addressing these issues.
The Supreme Court stressed the importance of upholding the fairness and transparency of the election process, emphasizing that it is critical for democracy. The court directed the state government to ensure that 8,505 officials assigned to the Election Commission report to the district election offices by 5 PM the following evening. This move aims to facilitate a smoother election management process and prevent any undue influence or disruption during the electoral events.
Additionally, the court clarified that the documents referenced in its January 19 order would be accepted during the examination of claims and objections related to the voter list. This includes allowing secondary school certificates and admit cards to be considered valid identification proof, alongside Aadhaar cards and other legitimate documents. These steps reflect the court's proactive approach toward resolving electoral disputes and ensuring that citizens have the necessary documentation to participate in the electoral process effectively.