Former Calcutta High Court Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam disposed of 1,777 appeals related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls before resigning from the tribunal. In addition, he dismissed 60 appeals filed by the Election Commission of India challenging fresh voter inclusions in the Birbhum district.
The SIR process, undertaken to clean up electoral rolls, had generated numerous appeals from individuals and political parties. Justice Sivagnanam, who was serving as the chairperson of the tribunal, cleared all pending matters before stepping down. His decision to dismiss the Election Commission's appeals in Birbhum has significant implications for the voter list in that region.
The tribunal's actions come amid heightened political sensitivity over electoral roll accuracy. The Election Commission had opposed the inclusion of certain new voters, citing procedural irregularities. However, the tribunal upheld the inclusions, citing evidence of rightful eligibility.
Justice Sivagnanam's disposal of these cases marks the end of his tenure, which was noted for its focus on electoral integrity. His resignation was submitted earlier this week, and the tribunal is now expected to see a new appointment.
