In a significant development ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election, a legal dispute over the voter list has been resolved with the SIR Tribunal directing the reinstatement of the Farakka Congress candidate’s name, offering major relief on the eve of the polls. This marks the first verdict by the tribunal amid the ongoing row over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
The case pertains to Mahtab Sheikh, whose name was missing from the SIR voter list following the publication of the final electoral rolls. The omission had raised serious uncertainty over his eligibility to contest the elections, triggering concern in political circles.
The controversy emerged after several names were flagged for verification as part of a phased scrutiny process initiated under the directives of the Supreme Court of India. Individuals whose names were either omitted or marked under adjudication were given the option to approach a designated tribunal for redressal.
Availing this provision, Sheikh filed an appeal before the tribunal. According to sources, authorities had issued a notice citing “factual discrepancies” in the names of both the candidate and his father. However, upon review, no discrepancies were found in Sheikh’s own details. The tribunal subsequently directed that his name be included in the supplementary voter list by 8 pm on Sunday.
Earlier, Sheikh had alleged that despite being officially declared a candidate, his name was absent from the electoral rolls, casting doubt on his ability to participate in the election. He also raised concerns that the tribunal designated to hear such cases had not been fully operational at the time, prompting him to seek judicial intervention.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court clarified that matters related to the voter list fall under the purview of the Supreme Court’s directives, and state courts could not intervene in contradiction to them. Consequently, Sheikh moved the apex court for relief.
The Supreme Court directed that the matter be resolved expeditiously. Acting on this, the tribunal conducted hearings on a priority basis and delivered its verdict within a short span, ordering the reinstatement of Sheikh’s name.
Notably, this is the first ruling of its kind by the tribunal in the state amid ongoing controversies surrounding the voter list. While the decision provides immediate relief to the candidate, political observers believe it could have wider implications for similar cases and may set a precedent in addressing electoral roll disputes during the election period.
Also read: If you want me to protect you, vote for TMC: Mamata at Farakka
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