Kolkata Voters in Limbo as 15-Day Appeal Window Nears Closure
The publication of the supplementary voter list in Kolkata has triggered widespread anxiety among residents, with a critical 15-day deadline to file appeals now looming large. The list, which was released at midnight on March 23, explicitly states that any person aggrieved by the inclusion or exclusion of entries must prefer an appeal within 15 days, either online or offline, before the appellate tribunal notified by the Election Commission of India. This sets the final date for submissions as April 7.
Confusion Reigns as Tribunals Remain Inactive
However, three days after the list's publication, the appellate tribunals have yet to commence operations, leaving affected voters in a state of confusion and uncertainty. The Election Commission constituted 19 appellate tribunals on March 21 specifically to hear appeals related to name inclusions or exclusions in the state's electoral roll. Despite this, the facility to file appeals has not been activated, pending approval from the Calcutta High Court.
"The facility to file an appeal has not started yet. It will start upon approval by the Calcutta High Court. Let the tribunals be set up first," an official stated, highlighting the procedural delay. The EC has requested the state government to provide office space for these tribunals, which are tasked with re-examining cases already disposed of by judicial officers.
Personal Stories of Voter Exclusion and Distress
The human impact of this administrative gap is starkly evident in numerous personal accounts from across Kolkata. Birju Sonkar, a resident of Burrabazar, revealed that four out of seven family members had their names deleted following judicial adjudication. Having voted consistently since 2013, the family is now left bewildered about the next steps. "The BLO told me that the EC has deleted our names and we cannot vote," Sonkar lamented.
In another distressing case, Majida Bibi Mandal, aged 60, had her name deleted due to an age mismatch with her father. Her family, aware of her prior panic during the adjudication process, chose not to inform her about the deletion even three days post-publication. Her daughter, Rupa Khatun, expressed her confusion: "I am clueless about whether I should download Form 6 for my mother to apply as a fresh voter."
Rojina Khatun, a villager from East Burdwan, shared that while her husband's name appeared on the list, hers was deleted, despite both being under adjudication. "I do not know what procedure I am supposed to follow. I asked the second BLO of this area, and he told me to keep all papers ready, including my grandfather's house deed. I did that, but will this make any difference?" she questioned, reflecting the pervasive uncertainty.
Appeal Process and Procedural Clarifications
According to the Election Commission's notification, appeals can be submitted through two primary modes:
- Online via the ECINET platform
- In person at the offices of the District Magistrate (DM), Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), who will then digitize and upload the appeal to the portal
The official further clarified that appellants will not need to submit additional documents, as relevant papers are already part of the case records. The appellate authority's role will be to verify whether due process, in alignment with Supreme Court directions, has been followed during the initial adjudication.
As the April 7 deadline draws nearer, the lack of functional tribunals and clear communication continues to exacerbate voter anxiety, raising concerns about electoral participation and procedural transparency in Kolkata.
