SC directs Calcutta HC to deploy judicial officials for WB SIR ahead of 2026 polls

The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday issued an extraordinary directive to ensure the completion and integrity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal (WB) , deploying serving and retired judicial officers to oversee the contentious process ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The move comes amid an escalating stand-off between the WB government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) .

A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi noted the “trust deficit” and administrative deadlock between the state government and the ECI, saying ordinary administrative processes had stalled. The court directed the Calcutta High Court (HC) Chief Justice to assign judicial officers, including retired judges, to adjudicate claims and objections, particularly those flagged under “logical discrepancies” that could affect millions of voter records.

Under the SC’s order, judicial officers will work alongside ECI observers and state officials to verify or reject claims, with their decisions treated as court orders. The ECI is permitted to publish a draft voter list by February 28 , followed by supplementary lists after judicial review. District collectors and police have been instructed to provide full logistical and security support to the deputed officers.

The SC also mandated fresh hearings across all 294 assembly constituencies to resolve pending discrepancies, and directed a joint meeting between the HC Chief Justice, the state Chief Secretary, the DGP, and ECI officials to address procedural and administrative issues. The court warned the WB police of “serious consequences” if law and order were not maintained during the SIR process.

Political reactions have been sharply divided. The BJP welcomed the SC’s intervention, claiming it was a blow to the WB government’s handling of SIR and a safeguard against delays and mismanagement. The TMC , in contrast, hailed the order as a “historic victory,” asserting that judicial oversight validates concerns about procedural bias and protects legitimate voter rights.

The SIR exercise, launched in late 2025, has faced multiple controversies, including software errors, disputed voter links, and administrative delays. With the 2026 polls approaching, the SC’s unprecedented intervention underscores the critical importance of ensuring transparency and accuracy in WB’s electoral rolls.