The Supreme Court has directed a tribunal to expedite a decision on a lawyer's plea challenging the deletion of his name from the electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal. The bench observed that the petitioner, an advocate in Murshidabad since 1977, had his name removed during the SIR process.
Background of the Case
The petitioner, a practicing lawyer for nearly five decades, approached the Supreme Court after his name was struck off the voter list. He argued that the deletion was arbitrary and without proper notice, violating his fundamental right to vote. The SIR exercise, conducted by the Election Commission, aimed to clean up electoral rolls but has faced allegations of irregularities.
Supreme Court's Directive
A bench comprising Justices emphasized the need for a swift resolution, noting the petitioner's long-standing legal career and the potential impact on his voting rights. The court instructed the relevant tribunal to prioritize the case and conclude proceedings within a stipulated timeframe.
The apex court's intervention highlights the importance of safeguarding electoral rights, especially for professionals who rely on accurate voter lists for civic participation. The tribunal is expected to hear the matter and deliver a verdict expeditiously, setting a precedent for similar cases arising from the SIR exercise.
This development comes amid broader concerns over the SIR process in West Bengal, where multiple complaints of wrongful deletions have been reported. The Supreme Court's order seeks to ensure fairness and transparency in electoral roll management.
