In rare move, SC ropes in judges to fix Bengal voter list after ‘trust deficit’

In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court of India has appointed judges to oversee the revision of the voter list in West Bengal, addressing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the state. The decision comes amid allegations of a 'trust deficit' surrounding the accuracy of the electoral roll, which is crucial for ensuring that eligible voters are included while ineligible individuals are excluded. The court emphasized the necessity of maintaining fairness in the evaluation of documents that determine voter eligibility. This rare move reflects the judiciary's proactive stance in safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring a transparent electoral process, particularly in a politically sensitive region like West Bengal, where electoral disputes have been common. The involvement of judges aims to bolster public confidence in the electoral system and mitigate any potential biases that may arise during the voter list verification process. As the state gears up for upcoming elections, this step is critical in reinforcing the legitimacy of the electoral framework, ensuring that all citizens have their rightful say in the democratic process.