West Bengal SIR: Over 37 lakh appeals stuck in Tribunals as Municipal polls draw near
The Election Commission of India reported that over 37 lakh voter appeals remain pending in West Bengal tribunals ahead of upcoming municipal elections. The backlog has raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement and transparency.
Why it matters
The massive backlog of voter appeals threatens the integrity and inclusivity of the upcoming municipal elections in West Bengal.
The Election Commission of India (EC) has informed the Supreme Court that over 37 lakh of a total 38 lakh appeals arising out of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal are still pending in 19 Tribunals. The EC said that only 1,02,231 appeals have been disposed of so far.
Over six months have passed since the Supreme Court constituted the Appellate Tribunals. The Municipal elections in the State are drawing near even as voters’ fate remains in limbo.
The EC affidavit covers appeals across 24 districts in West Bengal. It said 38,20,683 appeals were submitted regarding both inclusions and exclusions of voters from the West Bengal electoral roll during the SIR exercise. The number of appeals pending is 37,184,52.
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