India Supreme Court Hears Challenge to West Bengal Voter Roll Freeze

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a batch of petitions on Monday challenging the Election Commission's decision to freeze electoral rolls in West Bengal, potentially affecting the voting rights of millions ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for April 23 and 29.

The case centers on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, during which more than 90 lakh names were removed from the rolls. The revision process, aimed at verifying eligibility, began with draft lists published in December and concluded with finalization on February 28. Of the claims and objections raised, around 60 lakh have been adjudicated by judicial officers, leaving many voters in limbo. The Election Commission froze the rolls on April 9 for constituencies polling in the first phase, barring any additions or reinstatements. This has raised questions about whether individuals cleared by appellate tribunals can still cast ballots, as the freeze typically prevents last-minute changes.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi will examine the matter, along with a related suo motu case involving the gherao and confinement of seven judicial officers in...