'Fate of all voters under consideration will be decided by April 7' says SC

The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday stated that the fate of all voters under scrutiny in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process will be decided by April 7, providing a clear timeline for the resolution of pending cases. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Jaymalya Bagchi made the observation while hearing the matter, indicating significant progress in the ongoing verification exercise.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice informed the court that a communication had been received from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. According to the update, approximately 47 lakh cases have already been resolved, with around 20 lakh cases being processed daily, reflecting the scale and pace of the exercise. The court’s remarks underscore efforts to expedite the process ahead of the approaching deadline.

The Supreme Court of India clarified that a citizen’s right to vote is not permanently affected even if their name does not appear in the electoral roll for the ongoing election amid the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasised that voting rights are a continuing constitutional entitlement and can be restored through due process, stating that exclusion from the current list does not amount to disenfranchisement. The court highlighted that the appellate tribunal set up by the Election Commission will examine all pending cases, verify records, and take final decisions, ensuring transparency and reasoned orders, while also making it clear that individuals retain the right to challenge inclusion or exclusion and have their voting status reinstated in accordance with law.