Contesting the case in ‘robe and role’ of an advocate herself, the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday appeared in person before the Supreme Court and flagged various issues in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. Making a strong case for her state, she alleged ‘attempts’ are being made to bulldoze Bengal people, while she raised the question why no SIR exercise is being carried out in Assam. Save democracy, the CM told the Court during hearing on Wednesday.
Wearing a white dress with a black scarf around her neck, Banerjee forcefully addressed the bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice VM Pancholi, pushing back against interjections from counsel on the other side.
"I belong to that State," Banerjee said in the beginning."There should be no doubt, madam!" CJI Kant replied."I am very grateful because of your kindness. My humble regards to Justice Bagchi and Justice Pancholi ji also...," Banerjee responded.
Beginning her submissions, the Chief Minister said,"The problem is our lawyers always fought our case from the beginning but when everything is finished, we are not getting justice. When justice is behind doors. We are not getting justice anywhere. So many times I have written, six letters to Election Commission including all the details but no reply, sir. I am a bonded labour, sir. May be I pay for that. I am a very less important person, I pay for that. I am from common family but I am not fighting for my party".
At this stage, CJI Kant interrupted "Madam Banerjee"."State of West Bengal in its own right has filed a petition...Best of the legal team in Supreme Court are there to represent the case of the State," Justice Kant said.However, the Court allowed Banerjee to continue with her submissions and acknowledged the procedural difficulties being witnessed in the State, adding that all must look towards finding a solution.
"Every problem has its solution. We must look toward the solution to ensure that no innocent citizen is left out".Attempting to respond to the CJI, Banerjee said,"If you allow me 5 minutes only".CJI Kant in a reassuring manner said,"We will give you not 5, we will give you 15 minutes".When the counsel appearing for ECI interrupted, Banerjee with "folded hands" said,"Please allow me, sir!"
After some exchange between the Court and ECI counsel, Banerjee once again began to emphatically highlight the issues being faced on ground."Their SIR process is only for deletion, not inclusion," the Chief Minister said.He highlighted that women, who have married, were being put to notice for shifting to in-laws house or using the husband's title. She went on to allege that the ECI had failed to comply with directions of the Supreme Court in respect of the logical discrepancy list.
"Bengal people are so happy that this Court gave order that Aadhaar card will be one of proof documents but they said 'No'. In other states, the domicile certificate, the family register card, the government housing card are allowed, the health card is allowed... they only targeted Bengal on the eve of elections. What was the hurry? What takes two years is being done in three months even when festival, harvesting season is there," Banerjee added.
She highlighted the deaths of electoral officers during the SIR process."Because of the harassment, because Bengal is targeted. Why not Assam, why not north eastern [States]," she said loudly. When the counsel for ECI objected to her submissions, CJI Kant said,"Madam has come all the way to speak".CJI Kant added that the Court won't be able to comment on certain issues, like Aadhaar, as the decision on petitions challenging SIR's legal validity has been reserved.
The hearing then progressed with Banerjee making her points in between. At one point, Banerjee said the ECI was "WhatsApp Commission", an apparent reference to the passing of instructions to electoral officials via the messaging app.The Court assured that it will intervene and pass directions."We are very grateful", Banerjee said with folded hands when the hearing concluded.
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