Supreme Court Orders West Bengal Voter Reinstatement Before Assembly Polls

The Supreme Court of India ruled that voters excluded from West Bengal's electoral rolls during a Special Intensive Revision may vote if cleared by appellate tribunals at least two days before polling. Chief Justice Surya Kant, invoking Article 142 of the Constitution, directed the Election Commission of India to issue supplementary revised electoral rolls to incorporate these voters. Deadlines for clearance are April 21 for the first phase of polling on April 23, and April 27 for the second phase on April 29.

The ruling follows a revision process that identified over 60 lakh names with logical discrepancies, leading to the exclusion of between 27 lakh and 34 lakh citizens. While the court ordered the reinstatement of cleared voters, it clarified that the mere pendency of an appeal does not grant an individual the right to vote. The court also ordered the Government of West Bengal and the Election Commission to strengthen security for the judicial officers managing the revision process.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the verdict as a victory and instructed All India Trinamool Congress workers to ensure eligible voters receive their voting slips. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Debjit Sarkar dismissed her reaction, suggesting her happiness would vanish after the May 4 election results. As of April 18, the Election Commission had not yet published any reinstated names. West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal stated he lacked current data on disposed cases, noting that the 19 appellate tribunals operate independently of his office.