Staff Reporter / New Delhi
In a key development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, the Supreme Court of India has invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution and orders that whose names are cleared by Tribunal can vote in the elections.
The Court noted that nearly 35 lakh voters, whose names were deleted during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, are currently under adjudication before appellate tribunals.
It ruled that those whose appeals are decided in their favour will be allowed to vote, provided the decisions are delivered by April 21 or April 27, 2026. The Court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to reflect such decisions through a supplementary revised electoral roll.
However, the ECI has maintained that no additions can typically be made once the electoral roll is frozen, pointing to a possible administrative challenge in implementing the Court’s directions.
Clarifying its position, the Court said that only voters who secure favourable tribunal orders within the prescribed timeline will be eligible to vote. The mere pendency of appeals will not entitle individuals to exercise their franchise.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need to balance electoral integrity with the protection of voting rights, ensuring that only duly verified voters are included in the final electoral rolls.