19 Appellate Tribunals Commence Voter List Appeal Hearings in Kolkata from Monday
The 19 appellate tribunals established at the Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation in Kolkata are scheduled to begin hearing appeals for the inclusion or exclusion of electors starting Monday. This development follows the freezing of the electoral roll for the second-phase Bengal assembly polls, which occurred just four days prior on Thursday.
Background and Current Status of the Tribunals
These tribunals were constituted and officially notified by the Election Commission on March 20, in compliance with a Supreme Court order. To date, they have disposed of only four appeals that were specifically mentioned before the Supreme Court. Out of the staggering 60 lakh cases under adjudication, a little over 27 lakh names have been excluded from the supplementary lists. Individuals affected by these exclusions are encouraged to approach the tribunals to seek relief and resolution.
Preparations and Infrastructure at the Institute
On Sunday, a high-level team including retired judges, Chief Secretary Dushyant Nariala, and Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul visited the institute to conduct a thorough review of the arrangements. According to sources, 119 computers have been installed to facilitate the hearing process, and approximately 200 micro-observers will be deployed to oversee the proceedings, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
Each tribunal will be supported by a dedicated team of 4-5 staff members who underwent comprehensive training on Friday. This training focused on critical aspects such as document scrutiny and procedural requirements, as confirmed by an official. The preparation aims to streamline the appeal process and handle the large volume of cases effectively.
Public Response and Grievances
In anticipation of the hearings, many people have been gathering on the Joka Institute campus to voice their grievances and concerns regarding the voter list. This public turnout highlights the significant impact of the electoral roll decisions on the local populace, underscoring the importance of the tribunals' role in addressing these issues promptly and fairly.
