The Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, on Friday made significant observations on voter participation in West Bengal while hearing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) matter before the Supreme Court of India. Reportedly, West Bengal recorded a historic voter turnout of around 92% in the first phase of voting, which started on April 23, 2026.
Highlighting the importance of democratic engagement, the CJI remarked:
“As a citizen of India, I was very happy to see the percentage of voting. People need to participate in this.”
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was also part of the bench, echoed similar sentiments, observing:
“Voting is a good thing. Participation in the democratic process is something which must be respected and honoured… otherwise the very essence of democracy would be lost.”
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee informed the Court that West Bengal had witnessed a record voter turnout, stating:
“Ninety-two percent voting was recorded yesterday in West Bengal. Even migrant workers returned to cast their votes.”
He further pointed out that, comparatively, the elections were largely peaceful with minimal incidents of violence. Taking note of these submissions, the CJI expressed satisfaction over both the high turnout and the peaceful conduct of elections, emphasising the need for continued public participation in the democratic process.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also supported these observations, submitting:
“The forces have done a commendable job in ensuring non-violence during the elections in West Bengal.”
Directs for Out-of-Turn Hearings in Urgent Matters before the Tribunal
The Court has granted liberty to aggrieved persons in West Bengal electoral roll inclusion and exclusion disputes to approach the Calcutta High Court or the Appellate Tribunals for redressal.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee highlighted delays in disposal, stating that only a small number of appeals had been decided out of lakhs filed, and urged for expeditious consideration.
A bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi observed that most issues had already been addressed in its earlier order, but acknowledged that fresh grievances are arising on a day-to-day basis. Accordingly, the Court permitted parties to approach the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on the administrative side for urgent issues.
The Court further directed that persons who have filed appeals against exclusion from electoral rolls may be granted out-of-turn hearings by Appellate Tribunals if urgency is demonstrated. It also clarified that where judicial intervention is required, such persons may approach the High Court on its judicial side.