The Supreme Court took a stern view of states obstructing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and incidents of intimidation of Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The court directed the Election Commission to bring such cases to its notice, warning it would issue orders if necessary.
Supreme Court Expresses Displeasure Over States’ Conduct
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over reports of obstruction in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and intimidation of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal and other states. During a hearing on Monday, the court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to bring instances of non-cooperation by state governments to the court’s attention so that suitable directions could be issued.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that the ECI must not ignore such developments, as they could disrupt the electoral process and lead to administrative disorder.
“If Situation Worsens, Police Deployment Will Be Necessary,” Says Court
During the proceedings, the apex court remarked that if the situation deteriorates further, “there will be no option but to deploy police forces.” The court stressed that the ECI must take all necessary measures to ensure smooth completion of the voter list revision exercise.
Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the ECI, stated that the Commission had sufficient constitutional powers to deal with incidents of threats or intimidation against BLOs and other officials. However, the bench clarified that “before the commencement of the election process, the Election Commission cannot take control of the police,” emphasizing that state administrative cooperation was crucial.
Debate Over Alleged Intimidation of BLOs in West Bengal
The court also discussed reports of alleged intimidation and harassment of BLOs in West Bengal. Advocate Dwivedi, representing the ECI, denied claims of stress or suicides among BLOs, saying they were assigned to count only a few households—six to seven with around 30–35 voters each.
Justice Bagchi, however, disagreed with this characterization, noting, “This is not a desk job; BLOs must go door to door, fill forms, and then upload them. It’s not as easy as it looks.” The court further emphasized that the ECI should monitor BLO safety and working conditions during the revision process.
ECI Appoints Five IAS Officers to Ensure Transparency
In a move to enhance transparency in the SIR process, the Election Commission has appointed five senior IAS officers as Special Roll Observers (SROs) to supervise the ongoing work in West Bengal.
Among them, Kumar Ravi Kant Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, has been appointed for the Presidency Division, Neeraj Kumar Bansod from the Ministry of Home Affairs for Medinipur Division, and Krishna Kumar Nirala from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for Bardhaman Division. According to the Chief Electoral Officer’s office, these appointments will strengthen monitoring and accountability in the revision exercise.
Final Voter List to Be Published in February 2026
The special revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal began on November 4, 2025, and the final voter list is scheduled for publication on February 14, 2026. The ECI stated that the revision is essential to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness in the electoral rolls.
Following the Supreme Court’s stern observations, officials expect state administrations to extend greater cooperation, allowing the constitutional process of voter roll preparation to proceed without disruption.
