The Supreme Court of India 
declined to set a deadline for deciding appeals related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, even as the state flagged large-scale exclusions.During the hearing, the court was informed that nearly 55% of the 60 lakh individuals whose names were removed from the voter list continue to remain excluded even after the adjudication of claims and objections. These reviews were conducted by judicial officers appointed under the SIR process.The state government raised concerns over the scale of exclusions, indicating that nearly 20 lakh people remain out of the electoral rolls despite undergoing the review mechanism. The issue has sparked debate over the fairness and transparency of the revision exercise.However, the apex court chose not to issue directions regarding a timeline for appellate tribunals to decide pending appeals. It also did not pass any order on the request to publish a supplementary voter list for individuals who may be cleared during the appeals process.Legal experts noted that the court’s decision leaves the matter open for continued administrative and judicial review. The case highlights concerns about voter disenfranchisement and procedural delays.The matter is expected to be taken up again, as stakeholders continue to seek clarity and safeguards to ensure inclusion of eligible voters in the electoral rolls.
