The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a crucial directive to district authorities in West Bengal, stating that any Other Backward Classes (OBC) certificate cancelled by the Calcutta High Court cannot be used as identification proof during the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This move follows a landmark judgment from the High Court.
Calcutta High Court's Sweeping Order
The directive stems from a significant ruling by the Calcutta High Court, which invalidated a massive batch of OBC certificates. The court declared that all OBC certificates issued in the state from the year 2010 until May 2024 are now null and void. This decision has far-reaching implications for the documentation process used by lakhs of citizens in West Bengal for availing reservations and other benefits.
Election Commission's Immediate Directive
Acting swiftly on the court's order, the Election Commission communicated clear instructions to all District Magistrates (DMs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) across the state. The commission explicitly informed these officials that the invalidated certificates should not be accepted or used for any purpose related to the ongoing SIR exercise.
The SIR, or Special Summary Revision, is a critical process undertaken by the ECI to update and purify the voter lists, ensuring only eligible citizens are enrolled. The use of a valid, government-approved identity document is a cornerstone of this process to prevent fraudulent enrollments.
Implications and Next Steps
This development creates an immediate administrative challenge. Individuals who were relying on their now-invalidated OBC certificates as proof of identity or address for voter registration will need to furnish alternative valid documents. Acceptable documents include Aadhaar cards, passports, driving licenses, or other certificates issued by competent authorities that are not under legal scrutiny.
The EC's firm stance underscores its commitment to adhering to judicial mandates and maintaining the integrity of the electoral roll revision process. It places the onus on the state administration to guide affected citizens and on the individuals themselves to secure valid identification before the revision process concludes. The situation highlights the ongoing legal and administrative scrutiny surrounding OBC classification and certification in the state.
