The Supreme Court heard cases related to SIR, involving issues from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The Court expressed serious concern and demanded a detailed report after the death of 23 BLOs during the SIR process in Bengal came to light.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard petitions concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issued by the Election Commission in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. During this, the issue of 23 Booth Level Officers (BLO) dying during the SIR process in West Bengal also arose, on which the Court expressed serious concern and demanded a detailed report.
Separate Dates for SIR Cases in Three States
The Supreme Court has scheduled separate hearings for SIR cases from different states. Kerala's hearing will be on December 2. The Tamil Nadu case will be heard on December 4. West Bengal's hearing has been set for December 9. The Court will also hear SIR cases related to Bihar.
Kerala SIR Dispute and Electoral Hurdle
The SIR process in Kerala was halted due to local body elections. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi stated that related petitions have already been filed in the Madras High Court. The State Election Commission informed the Supreme Court that over 99 percent of voters have been provided with forms, and more than 50 percent have submitted them digitally.
Supreme Court Demands Response by December 1
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) and all State Election Commissions to file detailed responses by December 1. The Chief Justice has also asked for an interim status report on Kerala SIR to be submitted. In the Tamil Nadu SIR case, all lawyers will be provided with soft copies of documents and must submit their responses by December 3.
Issue of 23 BLO Deaths in West Bengal
During the hearing, it was reported that 23 BLOs died during the SIR process in West Bengal. Calling the matter serious, the Court has demanded a detailed report from the West Bengal election office. Both the State Election Commission and the ECI must respond by December 1.
