EC Flags ‘Grave Threat’ to Officials in Bengal, Moves SC
Poll body cites safety concerns during voter roll revision hearings; matter to be heard on Monday
- EC seeks modification of Supreme Court’s January 19 order on SIR hearings
- Officials report threats and violence at hearing venues in West Bengal
- Some micro-observers withdraw from duty citing safety fears
- Supreme Court set to hear the matter in upcoming proceedings
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Feb: The Election Commission of India has approached the Supreme Court seeking a modification of its January 19 order, citing what it described as a “grave threat” to its officials engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
In its application, the poll body raised concerns over the safety of its staff during hearings ordered by the apex court. The Supreme Court had earlier directed that hearings for voters listed under the SIR exercise be conducted at Panchayat Bhawans to ensure fairness in the process.
The order was intended to provide an opportunity for approximately 1.36 crore citizens, whose names appeared on a logical discrepancy list, to present their cases and avoid exclusion from the electoral rolls. The court had also instructed the West Bengal government to assist the Election Commission and maintain law and order during the proceedings.
However, in fresh submissions and earlier affidavits filed before the court, the Election Commission alleged that its officials were facing serious threats during the exercise. The poll body said that incidents of violence at hearing venues had forced some micro-observers and ground-level workers to withdraw from duty.
According to the affidavits, election personnel were “made to fear for their lives while discharging their democratic obligation.” The Commission also referred to “provocative speeches” allegedly made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which it said had contributed to a tense environment.
The issue is expected to become central to the upcoming Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Monday, where the court will consider the Election Commission’s plea and related submissions. The outcome could influence the conduct of the voter roll revision process in the state ahead of future elections.
