A mid-course decision by the Election Commission (EC) during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearings has triggered fresh concerns among thousands of voters across West Bengal. According to EC sources, domicile certificates submitted as proof during the SIR hearings are no longer being accepted, raising the possibility that voters who relied on this document may be summoned for fresh hearings.
Following the publication of the draft voter list, notices were issued to so-called ‘no-map’ voters— those whose names, or the names of their family members, did not appear in the 2002 electoral roll. These voters were asked to appear for hearings and establish their Indian citizenship and voter identity by submitting any one of the 13 documents specified by the Election Commission. Among these was a permanent address or residence certificate issued by the state government. Acting on this provision, many voters submitted domicile certificates, which were initially accepted during the hearings.
However, the commission’s revised stand has now introduced uncertainty. The development is also expected to cause anxiety within the ruling Trinamool Congress, which had set up camps and assistance centres across the state to help people obtain domicile certificates. If the EC ultimately rejects these certificates, the party’s outreach efforts may lose relevance.
Initially, the Election Commission had indicated that the verification of domicile certificates would be carried out by the District Magistrate or the District Election Officer (DEO). The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) had even written to the state government seeking clarity on which officials were authorised to issue such certificates, after observing that existing rules were not being uniformly followed.
In response, the state government informed the commission that until 1999, domicile certificates were issued by District Magistrates, after which the authority was delegated to Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs). Notably, these SDOs are also functioning as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) during the SIR process.
After examining the state government’s explanation, the CEO’s office approached the Election Commission in Delhi for a final clarification on the validity of domicile certificates in SIR hearings. Sources said that, based on this correspondence, the commission has concluded that domicile certificates do not qualify as valid documents under the SIR process.
The Election Commission’s argument is that a domicile certificate does not fall within the definition of a “permanent address or residence certificate issued by the state,” as mentioned in its guidelines. Consequently, it cannot be treated as an acceptable document. Sources further indicate that the commission may adopt a strict approach, allowing only the 13 documents explicitly listed by it.
As a result, voters who have already submitted domicile certificates may be asked to appear again for hearings. According to sources, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal had sent a detailed report to the Election Commission outlining the procedure followed in issuing domicile certificates in West Bengal. After reviewing the report, the commission concluded that the current practice in the state does not fully align with the prescribed government guidelines.
Each state has its own Government Orders (G.O.) governing the issuance of domicile certificates. In West Bengal, the latest G.O. specifies eligibility for certain categories, including serving paramilitary personnel. However, allegations have surfaced that domicile certificates are being issued more broadly, without strict adherence to these rules.
The EC’s refusal to accept domicile certificates in the SIR process has added to the uncertainty surrounding the voting rights of ‘no-map’ voters. Political and administrative circles believe this decision has further intensified debates over voter eligibility and documentation.
Domicile certificates remain crucial for availing state quota benefits in government jobs, educational admissions, and other welfare schemes. Broadly, there are three types of domicile certificates— by birth, by choice, and by dependence. While residence certificates merely establish current residence, domicile certificates provide legal recognition of permanent residency in a state.
Despite their wider importance, the Commission is currently not recognising domicile certificates for the SIR process. A final and formal announcement on the matter is expected soon.
Also read: SIR notice to Amartya Sen was driven by spelling error
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