Election Commission Grants Two-Week Extension for West Bengal Electoral Roll
The Election Commission of India announced a significant extension to the Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) deadlines for West Bengal on Tuesday. This decision allows for additional time to scrutinize documents and address claims and objections, with the new deadline set for February 21. Consequently, the final electoral roll for the state will now be published on February 28, a shift from the originally scheduled date of February 14.
Supreme Court Directive Influences Timeline Adjustment
This extension aligns with a directive issued by the Supreme Court on Monday, which instructed the Election Commission to prolong the period for scrutiny and disposal of claims and objections by at least one week beyond February 14. The court's intervention underscores the importance of thorough electoral processes in ensuring fair and transparent elections.
Fourth Extension in SIR Timeline for West Bengal
This marks the fourth extension in the SIR timeline specifically for West Bengal. The original SIR order, issued on October 27, 2025, had set the scrutiny deadline for January 8. Since then, the timeline has been adjusted multiple times:
- First extension to January 15
- Second extension to January 19
- Third extension to February 7, as ordered by the Supreme Court on January 20
These successive extensions highlight the complexities involved in finalizing electoral rolls in the state, reflecting ongoing efforts to address logistical and administrative challenges.
Updated SIR Schedule and Key Milestones
According to the latest SIR schedule released by the Election Commission on Tuesday, several key milestones have been revised:
- Hearings on SIR notices will continue until February 14.
- Scrutiny of documents and disposal of claims and objections will be completed by February 21.
- Rationalization of polling stations is scheduled for completion by February 25.
- Health parameters of the electoral roll will be checked by February 27.
The culmination of this process will be the final publication of the electoral roll for West Bengal on February 28. This extended timeline aims to ensure that all electoral data is accurate and comprehensive, minimizing errors and disputes in the upcoming elections.
Implications for Electoral Preparedness
The repeated extensions and the latest adjustment to February 28 demonstrate the Election Commission's commitment to meticulous electoral management. By allowing more time for scrutiny and disposal, the commission seeks to enhance the integrity of the voter list, which is crucial for democratic participation. This move is expected to facilitate a smoother electoral process in West Bengal, reducing potential legal challenges and ensuring that all eligible voters are properly registered.
