एसआईआर जोर के बीच, कलकत्ता एचसी ने मामलों के प्रबंधन के लिए पैनल बनाया

The recent directive from the Supreme Court regarding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal brings several key concepts into focus.

The Election Commission of India (ECI), established on January 25, 1950, under Article 324 of the Constitution, is responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of the entire process of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, the office of President and the office of Vice-President. The ECI's role is central to this news, as it will ultimately publish the processed list of electoral rolls on February 28, following the SIR conducted by judicial officers. The involvement of the Calcutta High Court and the formation of committees are all geared towards assisting the ECI in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.

The Supreme Court's power of judicial review, though not explicitly mentioned in the summary, is the underlying authority that allows it to direct the involvement of judicial officers in the SIR process. Judicial review, a fundamental aspect of the Indian Constitution, empowers the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of laws and executive actions. In this case, the Supreme Court's intervention ensures that the electoral process is fair and accurate, reinforcing the principle of free and fair elections, which is a basic feature of the Constitution.

The special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a process undertaken to update and correct the electoral rolls, ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered and that the rolls are free of errors and duplications. This process is particularly important in a state like West Bengal, where concerns about electoral malpractices have been raised in the past. The SIR aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process, which is essential for a healthy democracy. The Calcutta High Court's involvement, following the Supreme Court's directive, underscores the importance of this revision process.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Election Commission, the Supreme Court's power of judicial review, and the significance of electoral roll revisions are crucial for both the Prelims and Mains examinations. Questions related to the ECI's constitutional mandate (Article 324), the powers of the Supreme Court, and the importance of free and fair elections are frequently asked. Aspirants should also be aware of the legal and constitutional provisions related to elections and electoral reforms.