23 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Calcutta HC forms panel amid special intensive revision of rolls

Calcutta HC forms committee to manage cases during electoral roll revision.

Photo by Dibakar Roy

The Calcutta High Court, under Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, has formed a committee to manage the reassignment of urgent cases to other courts. This follows a Supreme Court directive to involve judicial officers in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The committee consists of Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Arijit Banerjee, Registrar General Nabanita Ray, Registrar (judicial service) Raju Mukherjee, and Joint Registrar-cum-Secretary to the Chief Justice Ajay Kumar Das. District-level committees have also been established for each district in West Bengal.

Chief Justice Paul convened a meeting with state officials, resulting in the decision that judicial officers would commence the SIR process on Monday. The Election Commission is scheduled to publish the updated electoral rolls on February 28. This move aims to expedite the revision process and ensure timely completion as mandated by the Supreme Court.

This development is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls in West Bengal, directly impacting the fairness of future elections. It highlights the judiciary's role in upholding the democratic process. This news is relevant for UPSC aspirants, particularly for the Polity and Governance section of the General Studies Paper II.

Key Facts

The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Sujoy Paul, constituted a committee.

The committee will oversee interim arrangements for shifting urgent matters to alternative courts.

The move follows the engagement of judicial officers for the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

The Supreme Court directed that judicial officers be assigned to complete the ongoing SIR in West Bengal.

The committee includes Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Arijit Banerjee, among others.

Judicial officers will begin the process of completing the SIR from Monday.

The EC is to publish the processed list of electoral rolls on February 28.

The EC has decided to deploy 480 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces in the State by March 10.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Role of the Election Commission, Judiciary, and Electoral Reforms

Connects to the syllabus topics of Constitutional Bodies, Separation of Powers, and Electoral Processes

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs on ECI's functions, analytical questions on the role of the judiciary in electoral reforms

In Simple Words

The court is making temporary changes because some judges are now working on updating the voter list. This happened because the Supreme Court stepped in to make sure the voter list gets updated properly. It's like when your school has special exams and some teachers have to help out, so the schedule changes a bit.

India Angle

In India, accurate voter lists are super important for fair elections. If the lists aren't right, some people might not get to vote, or others might vote when they shouldn't. This affects everyone, from the local shopkeeper to the farmer, because it decides who represents them.

For Instance

Think of it like when your local government office sends people to check if everyone has the right address on their ID. If there's a problem, they fix it so everyone can access government services properly.

It matters because fair elections are the foundation of democracy. If the voter list isn't correct, then the election might not truly represent what the people want.

A correct voter list = a fair election = your voice matters!

The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Sujoy Paul, has constituted a committee to oversee interim arrangements for shifting urgent matters to alternative courts, following the engagement of judicial officers for work related to the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. The development comes after the Supreme Court directed that judicial officers be assigned to complete the ongoing SIR in West Bengal. The committee includes Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Arijit Banerjee, Registrar General Nabanita Ray, Registrar (judicial service) Raju Mukherjee, and Joint Registrar-cum-Secretary to the Chief Justice Ajay Kumar Das.

District committees have also been formed for each district. Chief Justice Paul held a meeting with state officials, and it was decided that judicial officers would begin the SIR process on Monday, with the EC to publish the processed list of electoral rolls on February 28.

Expert Analysis

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.

Visual Insights

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in West Bengal

Shows the location of West Bengal where the Calcutta High Court has formed a panel to oversee the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

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📍West Bengal

More Information

Background

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body established to conduct free and fair elections in India. Article 324 of the Constitution empowers the ECI to oversee elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, the offices of the President and Vice-President. The ECI is responsible for preparing and updating electoral rolls, ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered to vote. The process of revising electoral rolls is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. Regular revisions, including the special intensive revision (SIR) mentioned in the news, are conducted to remove deceased voters, add newly eligible voters, and correct any errors in the existing rolls. These revisions are often carried out before major elections to ensure an accurate and up-to-date voter list. The judiciary's involvement, as seen in the Supreme Court's directive and the Calcutta High Court's actions, highlights the importance of ensuring the fairness and accuracy of electoral rolls. The judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the democratic process and ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has focused on enhancing the transparency and accessibility of the electoral process. Initiatives like the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Net and the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP) have been launched to facilitate online registration and verification of voter details. The ECI has also been working to improve voter turnout, particularly among marginalized communities and young voters. Voter awareness campaigns and outreach programs are regularly conducted to educate citizens about the importance of voting and the electoral process. The use of technology, such as electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), has also been promoted to ensure the integrity of the voting process. Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to continue its efforts to modernize the electoral process and address emerging challenges, such as the spread of misinformation and the influence of social media on elections. The use of data analytics and artificial intelligence is being explored to enhance voter registration and identify potential electoral malpractices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Calcutta High Court forming a committee NOW to oversee electoral roll revisions? What triggered this?

The formation of the committee is a direct response to a Supreme Court directive. The Supreme Court ordered the involvement of judicial officers in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. This involvement necessitates adjustments within the High Court to manage the judicial workload, hence the committee.

2. What specific details about the committee formed by the Calcutta High Court are most relevant for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For Prelims, focus on the composition of the committee and the reason for its formation. Key facts include: * The committee was constituted by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul. * It includes Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Arijit Banerjee, along with Registrars Nabanita Ray, Raju Mukherjee, and Ajay Kumar Das. * The committee's primary purpose is to manage the reassignment of urgent cases due to judicial officers being involved in electoral roll revision.

Exam Tip

Remember the names of the Justices involved. UPSC often tests knowledge of key appointments and committee compositions. A common trap is to include names of judges NOT on the committee.

3. How does the Election Commission of India's role in electoral roll revision connect to the broader constitutional framework?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body empowered by Article 324 of the Constitution to conduct free and fair elections. Electoral roll revision is a critical function under this mandate, ensuring that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote. This process directly supports the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution.

4. What is the significance of the Supreme Court directing the involvement of judicial officers in electoral roll revision in West Bengal?

The Supreme Court's directive highlights concerns about the integrity and impartiality of the electoral roll revision process. By involving judicial officers, the aim is to ensure a more transparent and unbiased revision, reducing the potential for manipulation or errors. This intervention underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding the electoral process.

5. How might the deployment of 480 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) by the Election Commission impact the electoral process in West Bengal?

The deployment of CAPF aims to create a secure environment for the electoral process. This can: * Increase voter confidence and turnout by deterring potential violence or intimidation. * Ensure the safety of polling officials and materials. * Reduce the risk of electoral malpractices such as booth capturing or voter impersonation. However, excessive deployment could also be perceived as intimidating by some voters.

6. How does this news about electoral roll revision in West Bengal fit into the larger trend of the Election Commission's efforts to improve the electoral process?

This development is part of the ECI's ongoing efforts to enhance the transparency, accessibility, and integrity of the electoral process. It aligns with initiatives like the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) Net and the National Voters' Service Portal (NVSP), which aim to facilitate online registration and verification of voter details. The focus on special intensive revision (SIR) further demonstrates the ECI's commitment to ensuring accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution. 2. The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. 3. The ECI can direct the involvement of judicial officers in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is indeed a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution, which provides for its composition, powers, and functions. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President, as mandated by Article 324. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: While the ECI oversees the electoral process, the directive to involve judicial officers in the special intensive revision of electoral rolls came from the Supreme Court, not directly from the ECI. The ECI can request such assistance, but the judicial order stems from the judiciary's power.

2. In the context of electoral roll revision, what is the primary objective of the 'special intensive revision (SIR)'?

A.To conduct a census of the population
B.To update and correct the electoral rolls
C.To introduce electronic voting machines (EVMs)
D.To promote voter awareness campaigns

Show Answer

Answer: B

The primary objective of the 'special intensive revision (SIR)' is to update and correct the electoral rolls. This involves adding newly eligible voters, removing deceased voters, correcting errors in existing entries, and ensuring that the electoral rolls are accurate and up-to-date. This process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all eligible citizens can exercise their right to vote.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Supreme Court's role in electoral matters?

A.The Supreme Court can direct the Election Commission to conduct elections.
B.The Supreme Court can intervene to ensure the fairness and accuracy of electoral rolls.
C.The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review over electoral laws and executive actions.
D.The Supreme Court can constitute committees to oversee the revision of electoral rolls.

Show Answer

Answer: A

Option A is NOT correct. While the Supreme Court plays a crucial role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of the electoral process, it cannot directly direct the Election Commission to conduct elections. The Election Commission is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting elections, and the Supreme Court's role is primarily to adjudicate disputes and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in accordance with the law and the Constitution. The Supreme Court can intervene to ensure the fairness and accuracy of electoral rolls (B), has the power of judicial review (C), and can constitute committees to oversee the revision of electoral rolls (D), as seen in the Calcutta High Court case.