Deaf-Mute Youth Appeals After Name Struck Off Kolkata Electoral Roll
In a significant development concerning electoral rights, a deaf and mute youth from Kolkata has filed an appeal with the tribunal appellate authority after his name was unexpectedly removed from the electoral roll. Sanu Hela, a 23-year-old resident of Charu Chandra Avenue in south Kolkata, submitted his plea on Friday, hoping to restore his fundamental right to vote.
The Silent Plea for Voting Rights
Sanu Hela, who also lives with partial Down syndrome, is making what his family describes as a "silent" plea to the authorities. The young man cast his vote for the very first time during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an experience that held profound personal significance. Now, two years after that milestone, he finds himself grappling with the shock of having his voting right effectively "disabled" through administrative removal from the voter list.
Accompanied by his father, Raju Hela—who himself is listed as a deleted voter—Sanu attempted to file the appeal in person at the Survey Building in Alipore on Thursday afternoon. However, their efforts were initially thwarted as they lacked a written application. Returning on Friday with the necessary paperwork, they encountered another obstacle: government offices were closed for a holiday, leaving no officials available to process their request.
Challenges in Filing the Appeal
Undeterred by these setbacks, the father-son duo sought alternative means to ensure their appeal was submitted within the mandated timeframe. "The gate of the building was open and I went upstairs where some officials were there," recounted Raju Hela. "First they asked me to come the next day as Friday was a government holiday. Then they said that being busy with other election-related works, they were unable to digitize and upload appeals."
With time running out, Raju, who operates a roadside food stall and has limited familiarity with digital processes, took his son to a local cyber cafe. There, with assistance from the cafe owner, they managed to file the appeal online. This move was particularly crucial as the supplementary list specified that appeals must be filed within 15 days of publication, leaving no room for delay.
Uncertainty and Emotional Toll
Despite successfully submitting the appeal online, both Sanu and his father remain uncertain about whether the process was completed correctly and if their plea will reach the tribunal. "I am not educated, nor did I know how to do anything online," admitted Raju. "That is why I wanted to do it with the help of officials at the government office."
The emotional impact on Sanu has been considerable. His father noted that the young man has been depressed since discovering his name was struck from the electoral roll. The family's frustration is compounded by what they perceive as inconsistent guidance from officials. "If the work was not to be done today, why did they ask us to come?" questioned Raju, expressing his preference for the offline filing method due to his lack of digital literacy.
Broader Implications for Disabled Voters
This case highlights ongoing challenges faced by disabled individuals in exercising their democratic rights. Sanu Hela's situation underscores the importance of accessible and transparent electoral processes, particularly for voters with disabilities who may face additional barriers in navigating bureaucratic requirements.
The tribunal appellate authority's decision on this appeal will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases involving disabled voters are handled in the future. For now, Sanu and his father await a response, hoping that his "silent" plea will be heard and his voting rights restored, allowing him to participate in the democratic process once again.
