Appellate Tribunals Lead Electoral Roll Revision in West Bengal

Nineteen appellate tribunals, led by former chief justices and high court judges, will address objections and appeals from West Bengal's voter list revision. The tribunals, operational from Kolkata, aim to resolve over 47 lakh objections, ensuring fair adjudication amid concerns of exclusion rates and procedural irregularities.

Nineteen appellate tribunals, guided by ex-chief justices and high court judges, are set to resolve objections from the Special Intensive Revision of West Bengal's electoral rolls. The Supreme Court highlighted the tribunals' role in addressing grievances concerning inclusion and exclusion raised by both individuals and Election Commission officials.

With over 47 lakh objections addressed by March's end, according to the Calcutta High Court's chief justice, the process reflects a significant judicial effort. The tribunals will operate from Kolkata's Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee National Institute, ensuring transparency and procedural fairness in voter list amendments.

Despite raised concerns from petitioners, including the state's chief minister, over exclusion rates and procedural fairness, the Supreme Court remains optimistic. The court emphasizes that the appellate tribunals' decisions should be based on revisiting full records, facilitating justice amidst claims of systemic irregularities.

(With inputs from agencies.)