The Supreme Court took firm control Monday in the contentious West Bengal voter list SIR case, granting a one-week extension beyond February 14 for document checks and finalization. Petitions by CM Mamata Banerjee and TMC figures prompted the review.
A key directive: Ensure 8,505 Group B officers join EROs by 5 PM Tuesday. ECI may replace its personnel with them post-verification, limiting their input to assistance.
ECI’s grievance over unfiled FIRs against form-burners led to a notice for DGP’s affidavit, underscoring accountability.
Argument disarray drew CJI Suryakant’s ire—he halted chaos, demanding orderly presentations. Shyam Diwan followed, defending state preparations.
CJI flagged draft list anomalies like 70 lakh name mismatches and micro-observer deployments from shortages. State countered with officer lists, disputed by ECI.
Debate intensified on delays: State blamed lack of prior ECI demand; bench insisted prompt action. Details checked—names, roles, contacts included?
Singhvi sought reporting instructions; Diwan conditioned on ECI nod. Officials detailed 292 senior EROs, thousands of assistants across grades.
ECI advocated experienced hands for judicial-like roles. CJI allowed substitutions, brief training, emphasizing ERO finality.
Interim measures: Report to DEOs, ECI discretion on usage, extended timeline for quality checks. All sides called to collaborate for genuine voter safeguards.
This move addresses logistical hurdles, ensuring no undue deletions from minor errors while streamlining the revision.