SC allows electors cleared by tribunals till April 21/27 to vote in West Bengal polls
The Supreme Court ruled that electors purged from the voter list during West Bengal's special intensive revision, but subsequently cleared by Appellate Tribunals by April 21 or April 27, must be allowed to vote in the Assembly election. This order, issued by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, provides a significant reprieve for citizens whose voting rights were denied due to "logical discrepancy." The court, exercising its extraordinary constitutional powers under Article 142, directed the Election Commission to publish a "supplementary revised electoral roll" for these individuals. However, those with pending appeals before tribunals will not be allowed to vote.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court mandated that electors cleared by Appellate Tribunals by specific dates must be allowed to vote in the West Bengal Assembly election.
- The ruling addresses the denial of voting rights to citizens purged from the voter list under the "logical discrepancy" category.
- The court invoked its extraordinary constitutional powers under Article 142 to issue these directions.
- The Election Commission is ordered to publish a supplementary revised electoral roll for those whose appeals were successful.
- Individuals whose appeals are still pending before tribunals will not be permitted to vote.
Exam Facts
- The ruling was made by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
- The Supreme Court exercised its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
- Over 34 lakh appeals were filed as on April 11 regarding voter list purges.
- The order is dated April 13, but was published on April 16.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.