Why Mamata Banerjee Filed A Fresh Plea

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court seeking an immediate stop on deletion of voter names during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. She has warned that the process may lead to large-scale voter disenfranchisement. The plea asks the court to protect all names in the 2022 voter list until the case is finally decided.

Why Mamata Banerjee Filed A Fresh Plea

Ahead of the Supreme Court hearing, Mamata Banerjee filed a fresh application requesting urgent interim relief. Her concern is that voters are being issued notices even for minor technical errors. According to her, this has created fear among ordinary citizens.

She argues that many genuine voters may lose their voting rights before the court can even rule on the legality of the process.

Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement

In her application, the Chief Minister highlighted the risk of lakhs of voters being removed from electoral rolls. She stated that marginalised communities are especially vulnerable. Many of them may not have access to repeated documentation or legal help.

She described the current situation as extremely worrying for a democratic society.

Documents Mamata Wants Accepted

Mamata Banerjee has asked the Supreme Court to direct the Election Commission to accept a wider range of documents. These include Aadhaar cards, permanent residence certificates, panchayat residence records, family registers, caste census data, and land or house allotment papers.

She believes flexible documentation is essential to avoid genuine voters being excluded unfairly.

Supreme Court Hearing Today

As per the Supreme Court cause list, a Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant will hear the matter on February 4. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi are also part of the Bench.

Several petitions challenging the SIR exercise in West Bengal are listed together for hearing.

Allegations Against The Election Commission

In her main petition, Mamata Banerjee has questioned the legality of the SIR process. She accused the Election Commission of political bias and adopting an authoritarian approach.

She claimed that the way the revision is being conducted could damage the integrity of elections in the state.

TMC Leaders Also Move Supreme Court

Earlier, Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra, Derek O’Brien, and Dola Sen had already approached the Supreme Court. Their petitions also challenge the Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal.

All these cases are being heard together, increasing the political and legal weight of the issue.

Mamata’s Meeting With The Chief Election Commissioner

The issue gained further attention after Mamata Banerjee met Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in New Delhi. After the meeting, she accused the CEC of arrogance and alleged that West Bengal was being targeted at the BJP’s request.

She also claimed that special observers were appointed only for Bengal, raising further suspicion.

Election Commission’s Response

The Election Commission has strongly rejected all allegations. Sources said the CEC made it clear that rule of law must prevail. The poll body also claimed that electoral officials faced threats and vandalism during the revision exercise.

According to the ECI, no pressure or interference in the SIR process will be tolerated.

Why This Case Matters Nationally

This case goes beyond West Bengal. It raises serious questions about voter rights, transparency, and trust in the electoral system. The Supreme Court’s decision may shape how voter list revisions are conducted across India in the future.

For now, all eyes remain on the top court and its next move.