The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, made strong remarks on Tuesday (March 10) while hearing a case related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, warning petitioners against casting doubts on the integrity of judicial officers supervising the process.
During the proceedings in the Supreme Court of India, the Chief Justice expressed serious concern over allegations raised in the petition that questioned the role and conduct of judicial officers involved in the electoral verification exercise.
Taking a firm stand, the CJI stated that such allegations against members of the judiciary were unacceptable without substantial evidence.
“As CJI, I won’t tolerate this. I am issuing a stern warning,” he said during the hearing, clearly signalling the court’s displeasure at what he described as unwarranted aspersions being cast on judicial officers.
The case relates to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls being conducted in West Bengal. The exercise aims to verify voter eligibility and ensure that the electoral rolls accurately reflect genuine voters.
Clarifying the process, the Chief Justice said that judicial officers were overseeing the revision to maintain transparency and fairness in the exercise.
He reassured the court that the process would ensure the inclusion of all legitimate voters while preventing illegal or unauthorised entries.
“Those who are genuine and valid voters will be included. Those who are intruders will be excluded,” the CJI said, underscoring the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice also expressed irritation over the tone and content of the petition, particularly the claims that questioned the impartiality of judicial officers involved in the process.
He remarked that making such allegations without evidence undermines the credibility of institutions and sends a negative message about public trust in the judicial system.
“How can the petitioners dare to file such an application?” he asked, indicating that the court viewed the allegations as inappropriate and premature.
The CJI stressed that the judiciary must be allowed to perform its duties without baseless accusations that could erode confidence in the system.
The court also noted that the petition challenging aspects of the revision exercise had been filed prematurely.
The Chief Justice pointed out that the process was still ongoing and that raising objections at such an early stage could create unnecessary confusion and mistrust.
“Now this game starts… It concerns 52 lakh people. This is a premature petition,” he observed.
According to information presented during the hearing, work related to approximately 10 lakh individuals had already been completed as part of the verification exercise.
Responding to the arguments made by the petitioners, the Chief Justice advised them to allow the process to proceed rather than approaching the court prematurely.
“As far as you are concerned, wait and watch. Filing a petition in advance sends a wrong signal that you do not have faith in the system,” he remarked.
The court suggested that concerns could be addressed after the completion of the revision process if any genuine irregularities were found.
The hearing ultimately centred on the need to maintain the integrity of the electoral roll revision process.
The Chief Justice emphasised that the objective of the Special Intensive Revision exercise was to ensure that electoral rolls remain accurate and credible.
