Ahead of the upcoming 2026 Bengal Assembly Elections, the Supreme Court had directed that the judges appointed by the Calcutta High Court would supervise the verification of SIR documents. The process was scheduled to begin on Monday. However, by Monday afternoon, reports indicated that several procedural complications remained unresolved, prompting the Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul to call an urgent meeting.
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Urgent meeting at Calcutta High Court
According to reports, around 5 PM on Monday, the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal, senior officials from the CEO office, the state Chief Secretary, the state DGP, the Kolkata Police Commissioner, the state Advocate General and the Additional Solicitor General representing the Centre will meet the Chief Justice at the Calcutta High Court. All District Judges across the state will participate virtually.
Judges begin SIR document verification
The district judges began verifying and disposing of SIR documents in various districts from Monday, according to commission sources. Following the High Court’s directive, judges were seen initiating work at the JYSP Building.
The meeting is expected to review operational challenges faced by judges while conducting the verification process. Another key issue likely to be discussed is the shortage of adequate judicial officers for each assembly constituency in West Bengal and whether the court will consider remedial measures.
Uncertainty persists
The commission had earlier stated that judges would need to verify documents related to approximately 45 lakh voters. However, although there was mention of publishing a list, it remains unclear whether the actual number is 45 lakh or higher. This lack of clarity has led to uncertainty over how many voters’ eligibility will ultimately be determined through judicial scrutiny ahead of the upcoming Bengal Elections.
