Supreme Court Directs West Bengal DGP To Ensure Law And Order During SIR Hearing

In this Special Report, India Today’s Aneesha Mathur provides a detailed update on the Supreme Court's latest directions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIA) exercise in West Bengal. The court was hearing a plea by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including Derek O'Brien and Dola Sen, challenging the Election Commission's process after notices were issued to approximately 1.25 crore people. Anisha Mathur notes that the court observed, 'BLAs can be allowed to represent and help people when they go for their hearings'. The Supreme Court directed the West Bengal DGP to maintain law and order at hearing centres and ordered the state government to provide adequate manpower at panchayat bhawans. Furthermore, the court asked the Election Commission to consider Madhyamik Shiksha admit cards as proof of age and mandated that officials provide certificates of receipt for all documents submitted by citizens. The process aims to simplify verification for those facing 'logical discrepancies' in their documentation.