New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has permitted the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court to deploy additional judicial officers, including civil judges and officers from the neighbouring States of Odisha and Jharkhand, to adjudicate the large volume of claims and objections arising out of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi passed these directions after being informed that an exceptionally high number of “logical discrepancy” and “unmapped” category cases remained pending. The Calcutta High Court had indicated that the existing strength of district judges would not suffice to complete the adjudicatory process within the timeline fixed for the finalisation of the rolls ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
Recognising the urgency and the scale of the exercise, the Supreme Court expanded the available judicial pool. In addition to serving and retired district judges already assigned to the task, the Court authorised the deployment of Civil Judges (Senior and Junior Division) with the requisite experience. Importantly, it also permitted the requisition of judicial officers of equivalent rank from the High Courts of Odisha and Jharkhand to assist in deciding the claims and objections. The Court directed that all logistical and financial expenses for such deployment shall be borne by the Election Commission of India.
The Court further allowed the Election Commission to publish the final electoral roll by February 28, 2026, even if certain verifications remain pending. Invoking its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Bench clarified that voters included in supplementary lists pursuant to the ongoing adjudication would be deemed part of the final electoral roll, thereby safeguarding against disenfranchisement due to administrative delay.
The Special Intensive Revision has drawn significant public and political attention, given the scale of objections and the proximity of the State Assembly elections. Multiple petitions challenging various aspects of the SIR process were tagged and heard together, leading to the present directions aimed at ensuring transparency, fairness, and the timely completion of the revision exercise.
Case Details
- Case Title (1): Mostari Banu v. The Election Commission of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 1089/2025 (and connected cases)
- Case Title (2): Joy Goswami v. Election Commission of India & Anr., W.P.(C) No. 126/2026
- Case Title (3): Mamata Banerjee v. Election Commission of India & Anr., W.P.(C) No. 129/2026
- Case Title (4): Sanatani Sangsad & Anr. v. Election Commission of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 1216/2025
- Court: Supreme Court of India
- Date of Order: February 24, 2026
- Bench: Chief Justice Surya Kant; Justice Joymalya Bagchi; Justice Vipul M. Pancholi
