"Extraordinary order" in the wake of "extraordinary circumstances": Judges to oversee SIR proceedings in Bengal 

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court has made a crucial intervention in the SIR proceedings in Bengal. A bench headed by Chief Justice Suryakant has ordered the appointment of judges for the SIR proceedings in the state. The Supreme Court has clarified in its order that while Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) make final decisions, judicial officers or designated staff can examine voter claims and objections. The court observed that the SIR proceedings in Bengal have come to a standstill due to the dispute between the state government and the Election Commission. The Supreme Court of India said that the "extraordinary order" came in the wake of the "extraordinary circumstances" that have arisen in the state.

The Supreme Court has directed the State Election Commissioner, Chief Secretary, Police Chief and other top officials to meet the Chief Justice of the High Court on Saturday in this regard. The crucial action has been taken in the matter after considering the allegations of widespread irregularities in the voter list and the Commission's complaint that officials are being attacked.