The Calcutta High Court on Thursday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to submit an affidavit explaining the procedure being followed for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen issued the direction while hearing a PIL filed by Pintu Karar, who sought an extension of the SIR timeline and requested that the process be monitored under the Court’s supervision. The Bench directed the ECI to file its affidavit by November 18.

During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner argued that the SIR was being conducted using data from 2002, and urged that the revision should instead rely on updated 2025 data to ensure accuracy.

Counsel for the Election Commission responded that the previous SIR had indeed taken place in 2002 and clarified that voters already enrolled would not be required to produce documents again. It was further submitted that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have already commenced door-to-door verification.

The petitioner also raised concerns regarding threats faced by BLOs during field verification and sought security measures. The Bench declined to issue specific directions on this aspect, observing that the State is capable of ensuring necessary protection for its personnel.

The matter will be heard next after the ECI files its response.
A detailed order is awaited.

Case No.: WPA(P)/471/2025
Case Title: Pintu Karar and Anr. vs. The Election Commission of India and Ors.