'Won't Allow Any Impediment In Completion Of SIR, All States Must Understand ': CJI Surya Kant

While hearing the West Bengal SIR matter, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant today categorically said that the Court will not allow any impediment to be created in completion of ECI's special intensive revision of electoral rolls in any state.

"One thing, we would like to be very clear. Whatever orders, clarifications, interim directions may be required, we will have to issue. But we will not allow to create any impediment in completion of SIR. It must be very clearly understood by all the states," said the CJI.

A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice NV Anjaria was dealing with a bunch of petitions related to West Bengal SIR. After hearing a battery of lawyers, the bench passed a slew of directions and noted that micro-observers are there only to assist EROs/AEROs, and cannot take a final decision.

As the hearing witnessed several issues being raised, from deployment of micro-observers to alleged violence on streets obstructing SIR work, the CJI indicated that requisite directions may be passed from time to time but the SIR process will not be allowed to be impeded for any state.

It may be recalled that the Court is seized of a batch of petitions challenging SIR not only in West Bengal, but also Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Kerala. Various directions were passed by the Court in relation to Bihar SIR as the elections in the state progressed, but the SIR process was not halted.

Case Title:

(1) MOSTARI BANU Versus THE ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 1089/2025 (and connected cases)

(2) JOY GOSWAMI Versus ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA AND ANR., W.P.(C) No. 126/2026

(3) MAMATA BANERJEE Versus ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA AND ANR., W.P.(C) No. 129/2026

(4) SANATANI SANGSAD AND ANR. Versus ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA AND ORS., W.P.(C) No. 1216/2025

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