The Election Commission (EC) has taken a firm stance on the conduct of hearings under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal, making it clear that proceedings will not continue unless a peaceful environment is ensured. According to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), the state government has been reminded once again that maintaining law and order is entirely its responsibility.
The Commission has warned that any disruption or unrest during the SIR process will directly fix accountability on the state’s top police officer. “If there is disturbance anywhere and hearings are affected, the Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, will have to answer for it,” a senior official said.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s order passed on Monday, an official from the CEO’s office pointed to specific directions issued by the apex court. “Point number seven of the order clearly instructs the Director General of State Police to ensure that not only the hearing process but the entire SIR exercise runs smoothly. What the DG does now is his responsibility,” the official said.
Despite recent incidents, the Commission has indicated that it is not overly alarmed about the overall law-and-order situation at present. On Tuesday, the EC observed that the minor disturbances being reported appeared manageable at the district level. Officials reasoned that had the situation been serious, the concerned District Election Officers (DEOs) would have immediately informed the CEO, West Bengal.
The Commission also claimed that no district reported any disruption of hearings throughout Tuesday, leading it to believe that the situation remains under control. However, the EC has simultaneously cautioned the state administration that it cannot evade responsibility even for minor breaches of law and order.
Meanwhile, reports of unrest linked to alleged harassment during the SIR process have surfaced from multiple locations across the state. After incidents in Farakka and Chakulia, vandalism was reported at the Block Development Officer (BDO) office in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas, on Tuesday.
According to allegations, a group of miscreants stormed the Sandeshkhali BDO office and carried out extensive vandalism, destroying several important government documents. The sudden attack reportedly left office staff terrified, forcing many to leave due to lack of security. A large police contingent rushed to the spot, and the area has since been placed under strict surveillance with additional forces deployed to maintain order.
At the same time, voters have complained of severe harassment during SIR hearings, citing the Election Commission’s frequently changing directives. In several cases, applicants alleged that even after submitting the required documents, no acknowledgment or receipt was provided. Addressing this issue, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Commission to mandatorily issue receipts to applicants.
Commission sources said that detailed guidelines for issuing receipts, in compliance with the apex court’s order, would be announced shortly.
The EC has also taken note of serious discrepancies in voter data emerging during the SIR process. In some cases, individuals with one or two children were allegedly recorded as having eight, ten, twelve or more children. According to Commission sources, these errors appear to have occurred at the Booth Level Officer (BLO) level, and the information has already been brought to the Commission’s notice.
The Commission has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter and made it clear that if concerned BLOs are found guilty, they will face disciplinary proceedings.
Also read: SC flags ‘serious issues’ in ED–I-PAC search row, stays FIRs
Follow us
