Kolkata, Oct. 12 -- The Election Commission (EC) is reportedly awaiting names of former judges from the Calcutta High Court to fill vacancies in at least three Special Intensive Revision (SIR) appellate tribunals, while the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the state's roll revision matters on October 16 amid concerns over voters' eligibility for the upcoming Kolkata and Howrah civic polls.
EC officials reportedly said at least three of the 19 tribunals were functioning without heads. The High Court will forward names of retired judges to the West Bengal chief electoral officer, who will subsequently notify their appointments. Though the tribunals function under the High Court's supervision, the EC provides secretarial assistance, staff and digital infrastructure for online hearings.
The vacancies come amid a massive backlog of appeals. Of around 38.3 lakh appeals arising from the SIR exercise, approximately 22.2 lakh were filed by voters challenging their deletion from the electoral rolls, while another 16.1 lakh contested the inclusion of names.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has acknowledged the multiple difficulties confronting the tribunals, including software-related problems. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, has considered prioritising appeals seeking inclusion in the electoral rolls over those seeking deletion of voters' names.
The October 16 hearing assumes significance as Kolkata and Howrah are expected to hold municipal elections in late November. An application before the court, citing EC affidavits, said around 1.7 lakh appeals were pending in the two cities.
Petitioners have warned that clearing the overall backlog could take more than 12 years at the current disposal rate, leaving voters uncertain about their eligibility to participate in the civic polls.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.