During the heated Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing, CJI Surya Kant dismissed Kapil Sibal’s warning about possible law and order issues and allowed phased publication of voter rolls. The Supreme Court also rejected objections raised by Abhishek Manu Singhvi and backed the Election Commission.
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, has once again underlined its role as the final guardian of justice in the country. CJI Surya Kant observed that the Supreme Court remains the ultimate forum for citizens who feel wronged by decisions of lower courts or by actions of authorities.
He remarked,
“The Supreme Court is the last ray of hope and hope for those hoping for justice. Crores of people of the country have faith that even if they face injustice at every step, they will be treated impartially in this highest temple of justice.”
He further said,
“Unhappy, angry or unhappy with the decisions of the trial court and the High Court, the complainants come to the Supreme Court, where full justice is done to them.”
Emphasising the Court’s constitutional responsibility, he added,
“Apart from this, issues related to the Constitution and law also come to the Supreme Court, which have far-reaching implications.”
These observations came during the hearing of a highly debated matter concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, a process initiated by the Election Commission of India to correct and update the voter list.
The issue has sparked major political controversy across the State. Senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appeared on behalf of the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
On behalf of the Election Commission, senior advocate DS Naidu informed the Court that the State government had not appointed the required number of Group ‘A’ officers to act as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant EROs as directed by the Supreme Court in its earlier order dated February 9, 2026. The Commission alleged non-compliance with the Court’s directions.
A team of senior advocates led by Kapil Sibal, A.M. Singhvi, and Shyam Divan raised several objections against the Election Commission and questioned the manner in which scrutiny and verification of claims and supporting documents were being carried out. Initially, the bench headed by CJI Surya Kant expressed dissatisfaction over the State’s failure to provide adequate manpower to the Election Commission as ordered earlier.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of the voter list revision process, the Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution. The Court directed that serving judicial officers of the State, along with retired district judges and additional district judges, be deployed to examine pending claims and verify the authenticity of documents submitted by applicants.
During the hearing, DS Naidu informed the Court that 95 percent of the SIR work had already been completed and requested permission to publish the electoral rolls on February 28. He assured the bench that the remaining portion would be finalised with the help of judicial officers.
In response, Kapil Sibal cautioned the Court that releasing the voter list at this stage could lead to unrest and possible law and order problems in certain areas. However, the bench did not accept this argument and allowed the Election Commission to proceed with phased publication.
ALSO READ: West Bengal Is Targeted: TMC’s Mamata Banerjee Tells Supreme Court Over SIR Controversy
The Court permitted the Commission to release a substantial part of the final electoral rolls on February 28, while the remaining portion would be published after completion of the verification process.
Naidu also submitted that despite the Supreme Court’s earlier direction asking the Director General of Police (DGP) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) in West Bengal to ensure smooth conduct of the SIR process and prevent disruptions, the police allegedly failed to act on complaints made by the Election Commission.
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi and other lawyers appearing for the West Bengal government and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed the appointment of judicial officers for verification of claims. However, the Court rejected these objections and sided with the Election Commission’s request.
Taking serious note of the allegations regarding non-compliance and disturbances during the SIR process, the bench directed the DGP of West Bengal to personally file a detailed additional affidavit.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: CM Mamata Banerjee Arrives At Supreme Court for West Bengal SIR Case Hearing
The affidavit must explain the steps taken on complaints lodged by the Election Commission, address 28 reported incidents that allegedly disrupted the SIR process, and clarify action taken regarding inflammatory speeches made against the Election Commission.
Issuing a strong warning, the Court stated,
“If we find out about non-compliance of our earlier orders, the DGP will face serious difficulties.”
The matter has now become one of the most closely watched cases before the Supreme Court, as it touches upon electoral integrity, constitutional powers, and the balance between State authorities and independent constitutional bodies like the Election Commission. The outcome of the case is expected to have significant implications for electoral administration and governance in West Bengal and beyond.
Click Here to Read More Reports on SIR Cases
