New Delhi. During a hearing in the Supreme Court, the Election Commission (EC) made a significant claim regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in West Bengal. The Commission stated that there are indications of political interference in the special revision work of the voter list in the state, which could affect fairness and transparency.

The EC informed the court that the SIR of the voter list is a regular and legal process, aimed at adding the names of eligible voters and removing ineligible names. The Commission says that during this process, attempts were made to exert pressure by some organizations and political elements at the local level. The EC urged the court to allow it to perform its work independently so that the credibility of the electoral process is maintained.

The Election Commission (EC) filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on Thursday regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal. The EC told the court that continuous political interference persists during the SIR in Bengal.

The EC said – the SIR process was completed in other states without any major incident or obstruction, but the situation in West Bengal is different. There, violence is occurring against election officials. They are receiving threats. Conditions have been created in which election officials are unable to work.

The EC alleged that local police generally avoided registering FIRs on complaints by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). In many cases, cases were registered only after the intervention of District Election Officers. The state government deliberately did not comply with the EC’s instructions.

The EC reported that on November 24, 2025, protesters attempted to forcibly enter the office of the Chief Election Officer in Kolkata, broke police barricades, vandalized the office, and obstructed the movement of officials. Despite this, no action was taken against the protesters.

During the hearing, the petitioners alleged that the SIR process could affect voters from certain sections. On this, the Commission clarified that all work is being carried out under established guidelines and legal provisions. The EC said that for transparency, the process for claims and objections is open and any voter gets an opportunity to present their side within the stipulated timeframe.

The Supreme Court, after hearing the arguments of both sides in the case, has sought a detailed response. The court also stated that the purity of the voter list is extremely important in a democratic process and any kind of political interference in it is a serious matter.

This case is also important because changes in the voter list can directly affect election results. In the coming days, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court’s next hearing and potential directives.

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest federal court in the nation, established in 1789 under Article III of the U.S. Constitution. It holds ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases involving federal law, and its landmark decisions, such as *Brown v. Board of Education* and *Roe v. Wade*, have profoundly shaped American society and civil rights.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, historically part of the ancient kingdoms of Magadha and Bengal, and later a major center of British colonial rule with Kolkata as the capital of British India until 1911. It is renowned for its profound cultural contributions, including the Bengal Renaissance of the 19th-20th centuries, which revolutionized literature, art, and social reform. Today, it is celebrated for its vibrant festivals like Durga Puja, its distinctive arts and cuisine, and landmarks such as the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the Himalayan hill stations of Darjeeling.

New Delhi

New Delhi is the capital of India, officially inaugurated in 1931 as the new seat of the British Indian government, replacing Calcutta. It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, featuring wide boulevards and grand colonial-era buildings like the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Today, it serves as the political and administrative heart of the country, housing key government institutions and historical landmarks such as India Gate.

Kolkata

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of India’s West Bengal state and was the capital of British India until 1911. Founded as a trading post by the British East India Company in 1690, it grew into a major colonial port and later became a pivotal center for the Indian Renaissance and the nation’s independence movement. Today, it is renowned for its vibrant arts, literary heritage, and iconic landmarks like the Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial.

Election Commission

The Election Commission is a governmental body responsible for overseeing and administering democratic elections within a country, ensuring they are free and fair. Its history is tied to the development of modern representative democracy, with many nations establishing independent commissions in the 20th century to manage the electoral process, enforce rules, and maintain public confidence in the integrity of the vote.

Special Intensive Revision

“Special Intensive Revision” does not appear to refer to a specific place or cultural site. It is a phrase commonly used in educational contexts to describe a focused period of study or preparation, often for exams. Therefore, it has no geographical location or historical background as a cultural landmark.

Booth Level Officers

“Booth Level Officers” (BLOs) are not a physical place or cultural site, but a crucial administrative role in India’s electoral system. They are government-appointed officers responsible for maintaining and updating the voter list for a specific polling booth area. The position was formally strengthened after 2006 to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls and increase voter registration, playing a key part in the democratic process.

District Election Officers

A District Election Officer is not a specific place or cultural site, but a government administrative position. The role is typically responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections, including voter registration and polling, within a defined electoral district. The position’s history is tied to the development of modern democratic systems and electoral commissions, which were established to ensure free and fair voting processes.