SC orders Calcutta HC to appoint judges from Jharkhand & Odisha for SIR work

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued key directions to streamline the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, ordering the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court to deploy additional civil judges for the verification process, if required. The directions came during a live hearing on February 24, 2026.

The apex court said that if further human resources were needed, the Calcutta Chief Justice could seek assistance from his counterparts in Odisha and Jharkhand, including serving or retired judicial officers, to ensure timely completion of the SIR process. The court emphasised that adequate manpower was essential to maintain transparency and accuracy in voter verification. Clarifying the verification framework, the Supreme Court stated that objections and claims under SIR would be examined strictly on the basis of documents listed in the Election Commission’s October 27, 2025 notification. It specified that Aadhaar, Class 10 admit cards and pass certificates would be accepted as valid proof during the verification exercise.

In a parallel direction, the court ordered the Election Commission of India to publish the updated West Bengal voters list on February 28, 2026. Following the court’s intervention, around 250 judicial officers engaged in the final phase of the SIR process began verification work across the state on February 23, 2026.