The Supreme Court has firmly stated that it will not allow the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to be stalled, nor will it permit genuine voters to be left out of the process. This declaration came during hearings on petitions challenging the SIR being conducted in West Bengal.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria issued a series of directives to ensure the integrity and smooth continuation of the SIR process. The Court extended the deadline for objections in the West Bengal SIR case by one week from February 14, 2026.

The Supreme Court has directed the state of West Bengal to ensure that 8,505 Group B officers report to the District Electoral Officers (DRO) by 5 p.m. on February 10, 2026. The Election Commission is granted the authority to utilize their services as Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) or Assistant EROs (AEROs) if deemed suitable, and can replace existing officers who aren't fulfilling their duties. The court has clarified that the final decisions on claims and objections can only be passed by the Electoral Registration Officers (ERO) and that the micro-observers can only assist them.

The Supreme Court also addressed allegations of violence and threats against election officials, directing the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) to file a personal affidavit explaining the actions taken to address the Election Commission's complaints of vandalism and failure to maintain law and order.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Surya Kant reassured West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is constitutionally obligated to ensure that every genuine citizen is included in the electoral roll. Mamata Banerjee had raised concerns that the SIR exercise was a means to disenfranchise voters in Bengal. She also contested the appointment of 8,300 micro-observers by the ECI, alleging they were overstepping the authority of Booth Level Officers and deleting names without proper authorization.

The Election Commission defended its decision to appoint micro-observers, stating it was necessary due to the state's non-cooperation. The ECI's counsel, Dama Seshadri Naidu, argued that many state officials lacked experience in handling quasi-judicial orders required for the SIR process, particularly in addressing claims and objections.

The Supreme Court clarified that the micro-observers and state government officials can only assist the EROs/AEROs in the decision-making process. The Court also suggested that if the state provides a list of Group B officers, the micro-observers could be relieved of their duties.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the State Chief Electoral Officer, confirmed that the final electoral list, initially planned for February 21st, will now be published by February 28th, 2026. According to the CEO's office, hearings for 13.9 million voters have been concluded, and documents for 10.6 million voters have been uploaded.