Three out of 19 SIR tribunals vacant; ECI awaits names from Calcutta HC
Three of 19 electoral tribunals in West Bengal remain vacant, causing a significant backlog of over 37 million unresolved voter appeals. The Election Commission of India is currently waiting for the Calcutta High Court to appoint retired judges to fill these positions.
Why it matters
The massive backlog of voter disputes threatens the integrity of upcoming local elections and raises concerns regarding potential mass disenfranchisement.
At least three out of 19 apellete tribunals set up in West Bengal to settle disputes related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are vacant amid a massive pendency of appeals, as Election Commission of India (ECI) awaits names from the Calcutta High Court to appoint new persons.
ECI functionaries said "at least" three tribunals are without heads.
The Calcutta High Court will send names of retired high court judges to the West Bengal chief electoral officers, who in turn will notify their appointments to the three vacant tribunals.
While these tribunals report to Calcutta High Court, ECI provides them with secretarial assistance, including staff and digital platform for online hearings.
With local and municipal elections nearing, over 37 lakh voters remain in legal limbo, raising widespread concerns over potential mass disenfranchisement.
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