The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish the names of about 1.25 crore people against whom a "logical discrepancy" objection has been raised by the poll body during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that notices have been issued to about two crore persons for verification of documents.
These notices are broadly classified in three categories - mapped, unmapped and logical discrepancy. The Court added that under the 'logical discrepancy' category, father name mismatch, mismatch of parent age and difference in age of grand parents was noticed by authorities.
Considering the huge number of notices, the Court ordered that the names of persons in the 'logical discrepancy' list shall be displayed in gram panchayats, block offices and the ward offices.
The Court said the objections against the enlisted names be filed within 10 days and further time be granted for submission of documents.
"Wherever the document is not found satisfactory.. such persons shall be given an opportunity present documents and also be heard at that very time in person or through authorized representative present with the voter," the Court ordered.
The Court further directed the State to ensure that adequate manpower is made available for deployment at the places where people will provided an opportunity of hearing.
"State shall ensure there shall be proper law and order arrangements," the Court ordered.
The Court also directed that local authorities shall give a receipt of documents received and also provide reasons for their final decision on objections.
Pertinently, the Court also took objection to the ECI issuing directions via WhatsApp instead of an official circular.
"There is no question of running everything through Whatsapp. Circular has to be issued," CJI Kant said
The Court also remarked that directions would be issued by it wherever necessary.
"Over 1 crore people have been notified. Please understand the stress people are suffering. We will issue directions where needed," Justice Bagchi said.
Last year, the ECI had directed an SIR in Bihar. Multiple petitions, including those filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Federation for Indian Women (NFIW), challenged the legality of the process. Despite that, the ECI proceeded with SIR in Bihar since the top court did not impose any stay on the same.
Subsequently, the ECI on October 27, 2025, extended the SIR to other States and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This led to multiple petitions challenging the same.
During the hearing of petitions relating to West Bengal today, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal submitted that the number of venues approved for hearing is 300 when 1,900 are actually needed. He also questioned the objections being raised by the ECI.
"Please see what is the logical discrepancy... If there is X number of years difference between grandfather and child then there is discrepancy. All these names are there in the voter list. Let them publish a list with all these discrepancies etc and give a hearing date," Sibal submitted.
Sibal urged the Court to pass an order to allow Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to assist those who have been issued notices.
"They say if Ganguli is spelled differently... They omit the name. My lord knows that Datta is spelt differently. They are issuing notice with only the aim to exclude the names," he added.
However, Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, argued that there are cases where there is only 15 years difference of age between parents and child.
At this, Justice Bagchi said,
"How can 15 years age gap between mother and son be logical discrepancy... ? We are not in a country where child marriages are not a reality."
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, also appearing for the petitioners, referred to a WhatsApp message asking the authorities to ensure that BLAs are not allowed to attend any hearing.
CJI Kant questioned the passing of instructions via WhatsApp.
"There is no question of running everything through Whatsapp. Circular has to be issued," Justice Kant said
Divan added that there is one district where 'logical discrepancy' has been raised against 2.30 lakh people.
"They are going on algorithm basis," the senior counsel said.
However, the ECI counsel objected to the submission.
"Please see about 324 have been linked to one person only. Don't we have to look at these errors," Dwivedi said.
CJI Kant remarked that there should no problem if corrections are to be made. However, Divan referred to the type of objections being raised by the ECI.
"Can there be in our country this a relevant consideration for the ECI to look at parents age gap etc. ..is this a valid ground for heightened scrutiny for the Election Commission?," he asked.
During the hearing, the Court was also informed that a notice has been issued to Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen
"Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen has been called and also MPs etc. There is an issue of class 10 certificate not being taken," Senior Advocate Kalyan Bandyopadhyay said.
Expressing a surprise, Justice Bagchi said they are statutorily required to consider it. Bandhopadhyay submitted that it was still being excluded.
At this, Dwivedi said,
"Enough for tomorrow's paper."
In response, Bandyopadhyay said,
"Yes, Yes it is clear that you are doubting everybody."
Justice Datta then remarked that the class 10 admit card has date of birth but the passing certificate does not have it.
"That is why you cannot insist on the other."
The CJI remarked both will have to be taken.