In a move that has sent ripples through Kolkata’s voter registration process, the Supreme Court issued fresh directives to the Election Commission on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Yet, a day after the order, local polling booths report a bewildering lack of clarity, with Block Level Officers (BLOs) saying they have not received any official communication from the Commission.
Background/Context
The Supreme Court’s intervention comes amid growing concerns that the SIR process is creating confusion and anxiety among voters, especially students and migrant communities. The Court’s order, issued on January 19, 2026, aimed to streamline the revision of electoral rolls by addressing “logical discrepancies” and expanding acceptable proof of identity and date of birth. However, the implementation of these directives appears to be lagging at the grassroots level.
For many voters, the SIR process is a routine part of maintaining accurate electoral rolls. Yet, the Court’s new guidelines—such as allowing Madhyamik admit cards as proof of birth and granting an additional ten days for document submission—have not yet been translated into actionable instructions for BLOs. This disconnect has left voters uncertain about what documents they need to bring and how to navigate the revised process.
Key Developments
According to the Court’s order, the Election Commission must now:
- Display the names of electors flagged under the “logical discrepancies” category at gram panchayat bhavans and block offices.
- Accept Madhyamik admit cards as valid proof of date of birth.
- Issue receipts for documents submitted by voters.
- Provide an additional ten days for electors to furnish documents to establish eligibility.
- Allow voters or their representatives—including Block Level Associates (BLAs)—to respond to notices during hearings.
Despite these clear directives, a visit to several SIR hearing centres across Kolkata on Tuesday revealed that BLOs were still operating under the old guidelines. “We only heard about the SC order through the news. Nothing was officially conveyed to us so far,” said a BLO at Bow Bazar High School, where voters queued up seeking clarity on documentation requirements.
At the Industrial Training School on SN Banerjee Road, officials reported that voters were asked to submit documents prescribed under earlier guidelines. “The moment we receive fresh instructions from our seniors, we will start following them,” a BLO said, underscoring the uncertainty that persists.
In addition, at Lady Brabourne College in Park Circus, four BLOs from different part numbers were seen operating from a single room and under a tree shade, responding to a steady stream of queries and issuing SIR notices. “Passport remains the strongest document for hearings, but many here don’t have one,” a BLO remarked. “We are also yet to receive any fresh mandate on Madhyamik admit cards as proof of birth.”
Impact Analysis
The confusion has tangible consequences for voters, particularly students who rely on school-issued documents. According to the Election Commission, over 1.2 million voters in West Bengal are currently undergoing the SIR process. Of these, approximately 300,000 are students aged 18 to 25, many of whom depend on Madhyamik admit cards or school certificates to prove their identity and date of birth.
When BLOs fail to recognize Madhyamik admit cards as valid proof, students risk being denied the opportunity to update their rolls, potentially affecting their eligibility to vote in upcoming elections. Moreover, the lack of clear communication has led to increased anxiety among voters who fear that their names might be removed from the rolls due to “logical discrepancies.”
Political and civil society groups have amplified the issue. Desh Banchao Ganomancha, a platform representing those affected by SIR notices, accused the Election Commission of harassment and demanded immediate implementation of the Supreme Court’s directives. Sudipta Das, wife of Ashok Das—a BLO from Mukundapur who died by suicide—claimed her husband was under immense pressure due to work demands linked to SIR. “He shared his stress with the headmaster of his school,” she said, seeking government support for her family.
Poet Joy Goswami, in a message, said he received a notice despite being a long-time voter. All India Matua Maha Sangha general secretary Sukesh Choudhury noted that the process has created fear among refugee communities, many of whom rely on school documents for proof of identity.
Expert Insights/Tips
For voters navigating the SIR process, here are practical steps to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s order:
- Verify Document Acceptance: Confirm that your Madhyamik admit card or equivalent school certificate is accepted by your local BLO. If in doubt, bring a passport or voter ID as a backup.
- Keep Receipts: Request a receipt for every document submitted. This serves as proof of compliance and can be used to contest any future discrepancies.
- Track Your Status: Use the Election Commission’s online portal to check the status of your roll. Enter your voter ID and upload scanned copies of your documents for verification.
- Attend Hearings: If you receive a notice, attend the hearing promptly. You can bring a representative or a BLA to assist you.
- Stay Informed: Follow official notifications from the Election Commission and local authorities. Avoid relying solely on media reports for procedural updates.
Students should also be aware that the additional ten days granted by the Supreme Court allows for a more flexible submission window. However, it is advisable to submit documents as early as possible to avoid last‑minute complications.
Looking Ahead
The Election Commission is expected to issue a formal circular clarifying the new guidelines within the next week. In the meantime, the Supreme Court has scheduled a follow‑up hearing on February 5, 2026, to assess the implementation of its directives. The Court has also urged the Commission to establish a dedicated helpline for voters to address queries related to the SIR process.
Should the Commission fail to comply with the Court’s directives, voters may seek recourse through the Election Commission’s grievance redressal mechanism or file a petition in the Supreme Court. The Court’s emphasis on transparency and accessibility underscores the importance of aligning administrative procedures with judicial mandates.
For students and other voters in Kolkata, the key takeaway is to remain proactive: gather all required documents, keep copies, and stay in touch with local BLOs. By doing so, they can navigate the revised SIR process smoothly and ensure their names remain on the electoral rolls.
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