Election Commission issues fresh directives, Bengal SIR deadline may be extended

Sources in the state CEO office said as a result of the new directives for transparent scrutiny of voters flagged for “logical discrepancies”, the SIR exercise may be delayed.

The deadlines for wrapping up hearings and publication of the final electoral roll are February 7 and 14, respectively.

Two days ago, the Supreme Court had directed the EC to display the names of those flagged for “logical discrepancies” in their enumeration forms at “gram panchayat bhavans/ block offices in every taluka as well as in the ward offices (in the city)”.

“On the face of it, some correction exercise has to be (under)taken. But it must be transparent, with ample opportunity, without inconvenience to the voters,” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, presiding over a three-judge bench which included Justices Dipankar Datta and Joymalya Bagchi, said after hearing applications filed by TMC MP Dola Sen and others regarding the SIR in West Bengal.

Complying with the SC order, Secretary to EC Pawan Diwan, in a letter to the state CEO, directed:

“…Names of the persons, figuring under “Logical Discrepancies” and also under “Unmapped” category, shall be displayed at the Gram Panchayat Bhawans, public places in every taluka, and Block Office of every taluka (Sub-Division), as well as in the ward offices in the cities of the urban areas by January 24.”

“Persons, figuring in these two categories (“Logical Discrepancies” and “Unmapped”), are permitted to submit their documents/objections through their authorised representative, who can even be a Booth Level Agent (BLA)…”

“…The affected persons can submit documents/objections at the designated Panchayat Bhawan or Block Office or Ward office. Further, upto 10 days from displaying the names of the persons, all those who have not yet submitted their claims, documents, or objections are allowed to do so within the extended period.”

“All affected persons, in addition to being given an opportunity to submit documents, materials, or objections, shall also be heard by ERO/AERO at that same time either in person or through the authorised representative accompanying them, for the purpose of making an appropriate decision.”

“The official, who will receive the documents or accord hearing to the affected persons, shall also certify the receipt of documents and the conduct of such hearing.”

“Madhyamik admit card (Class 10), which discloses date of birth of the candidate, may be submitted apart from Madhyamik pass certificate during the hearing.”

The demand for getting receipts of the submitted documents was raised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a letter to the EC earlier this month. The TMC had also raised the demand for accepting the Madhyamik admit card as birth certificate.

In a separate letter to the state chief secretary and DGP, EC Secretary Diwan called for strict compliance with the Supreme Court’s directives and asked the West Bengal government “to provide adequate manpower to the CEO for deployment at SIR hearing centres.

“…each District Collector/Superintendent of Police to deploy adequate staff and forces to ensure smooth conduct of SIR proceedings in such places,” the letter read.

It also directed the DGP to ensure there are no law and order problems at the SIR hearing location and that the SIR-related activities proceed smoothly.

Meanwhile, a senior EC official said that after Supreme Court directions, it was “almost impossible” to complete all hearings within the stipulated time and make a flawless final draft roll.