Extended Timeline Looms for West Bengal SIR Exercise Amidst Supreme Court Directives

The Election Commission is contemplating extending the deadline for the electoral roll publication in West Bengal due to Supreme Court instructions. Compliance challenges could push the final voters' list release beyond February 14. The Trinamool Congress raised concerns of irregularities, prompting court intervention for a transparent process.

The Election Commission is mulling over a deadline extension for the electoral roll publication in West Bengal, owing to stringent Supreme Court directives. The anticipated final list, initially slated for release on February 14, might now face delays, an official disclosed on Wednesday.

The situation arose after the Trinamool Congress highlighted alleged irregularities in the roll revision process, compelling the court to issue comprehensive guidelines to ensure transparency. The directives demand publishing lists of voters summoned for hearings and displaying them at local levels, alongside ensuring receipts are issued for document submissions.

Implementing these changes across the state could warrant further administrative coordination, potentially impacting the current timeline of February 14. An official decision on revising the date will occur after reviewing compliance efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)