Supreme Court Cautions West Bengal DGP Over Violence and Political Interference During Electoral Roll SIR Process | Current Affairs

The Supreme Court of India on June 15, 2026, issued a stern caution to the West Bengal Director General of Police over reported violence and political interference obstructing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls being conducted by the Election Commission of India in the state. A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant expressed serious concern that Booth Level Officers and ECI field personnel were being intimidated and obstructed during house-to-house voter verification across several districts.

The Court observed that free and fair electoral rolls are fundamental to the right to vote under Article 326 of the Constitution. The bench directed the West Bengal DGP to file a personal affidavit within one week explaining steps taken to protect election personnel. The ECI was also asked to submit a status report on SIR progress and complaints received. The Court warned it would consider ordering central paramilitary deployment if the state fails to act. The ECI had flagged specific concerns in districts including Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, Birbhum, and Cooch Behar where BLOs were unable to complete their rounds due to threats.

Why in News: This Supreme Court intervention links multiple exam topics including SIR, BLO roles, Article 326, and the Court's supervisory power under Article 142. Questions can be asked on the bench (CJI Surya Kant), the constitutional article on right to vote (Article 326), the SIR full form, and the directive issued to West Bengal DGP.

Key Points to Remember:

SC caution issued to West Bengal DGP: June 15, 2026
Issue: Violence and political interference in SIR process in West Bengal
Bench: CJI Surya Kant (53rd Chief Justice of India)
Constitutional basis: Article 326 (Right to Vote)
SC directive 1: West Bengal DGP to file personal affidavit within one week
SC directive 2: ECI to submit status report on SIR progress
SC warning: May order central paramilitary deployment if state fails
Districts flagged: Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, Birbhum, Cooch Behar
West Bengal CM (2026): Mamata Banerjee (AITC)
West Bengal DGP (2026): Rajeev Kumar
SIR full form: Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
BLO full form: Booth Level Officer

Related Static GK:

Article 326: Guarantees right to vote to all adult citizens (18 years+); foundation of universal adult franchise
Article 142: SC's power to pass any order necessary to do complete justice
ECI: Election Commission of India; constitutional body under Article 324; CEC (2026): Gyanesh Kumar
Voting age reduced from 21 to 18: 61st Constitutional Amendment Act 1988
West Bengal capital: Kolkata; CM: Mamata Banerjee (TMC; 3rd term)
West Bengal Governor (2026): C.V. Ananda Bose
Representation of the People Act 1950: Governs preparation of electoral rolls in India
CJI Surya Kant: 53rd CJI; assumed office November 24, 2025