Supreme Court Issues Notice in West Bengal SIR Case, Assures Protection of Voters’ Rights
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in person before the Supreme Court and urged the bench to “protect democracy,” arguing that the SIR process in its present form had caused widespread fear, distress, and exclusion among citizens.
News Mania Desk /4th February 2026
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the ongoing dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal and assured that voters’ rights would be duly protected. Hearing the matter amid heightened political tension, the apex court asked the ECI to proceed “carefully” while conducting the exercise, underlining the constitutional importance of free and fair elections.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared in person before the Supreme Court and urged the bench to “protect democracy,” arguing that the SIR process in its present form had caused widespread fear, distress, and exclusion among citizens. Banerjee alleged that the exercise had been carried out in an arbitrary manner, disproportionately affecting vulnerable sections of society, and claimed it had led to serious mental stress across the state.
During the hearing, the Chief Minister contended that large numbers of genuine voters were being flagged or excluded without adequate opportunity to present their case. She warned that if unchecked, the SIR could result in mass disenfranchisement and strike at the very foundations of India’s democratic system. Banerjee also referred to alleged administrative irregularities and procedural lapses in the conduct of the revision exercise.
The Supreme Court took note of the concerns raised and emphasised that electoral authorities must ensure that no eligible voter is wrongfully removed from the rolls. The bench observed that while electoral roll revision is a legitimate constitutional process, it must be carried out with sensitivity, transparency, and strict adherence to due process. The court assured that it would closely monitor the matter to safeguard citizens’ voting rights.
The Election Commission of India has been asked to respond to the notice and place its position on record. The court indicated that it would examine whether adequate safeguards and grievance redressal mechanisms are in place for those affected by the SIR.
The case assumes significance in the backdrop of political friction between the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission, with the West Bengal government repeatedly demanding that the SIR exercise be halted or reviewed. The Supreme Court’s intervention is being seen as a key moment in balancing the constitutional mandate of electoral integrity with the protection of individual democratic rights.
Further hearings in the matter are expected as the court continues to assess the legality and impact of the SIR process in West Bengal.
