West Bengal CEO Orders Immediate FIRs for Disruptions During Electoral Roll Revision Hearings

Law Notify : Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer has issued strict instructions to district administrations to maintain law and order during the process. The directive mandates the immediate registration of an FIR in case of any disturbances, including vandalism, threats, or attacks on officials and staff involved in SIR-related work.

The instructions, issued to all district electoral officers, refer to an order of the Supreme Court dated January 19. The Chief Electoral Officer’s office has made it clear that any untoward incident at hearing centres or related government offices must be reported without delay to the local police station. Copies of such complaints are also to be forwarded to the Superintendent of Police and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer.

The letter further states that if the law-and-order situation deteriorates in any area, SIR hearings may be suspended for an indefinite period. In cases where violence or damage to government property continues, the hearings will remain halted until specific approval for resumption is granted by the Chief Electoral Officer.

The move is aimed at ensuring the safety of officials and the smooth conduct of the electoral roll revision process across the state.