Mamata Banerjee moves SC over 'SIR' controversy, seeks chance to present her case

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has approached the Supreme Court regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. She has filed another petition in the apex court, seeking to prevent the Election Commission from removing names from the voter list. Furthermore, Mamata Banerjee has appealed to the court to allow her to present her case in person.

Fear of voter disenfranchisement

In his petition, the Chief Minister urged the Supreme Court to issue immediate instructions regarding the SIR process. He expressed concern that procedures such as mandatory hearings, the rejection of documents, and the use of micro-observers could deprive a large number of people of their right to vote. He stated that the Election Commission has issued notices to many people based on even minor errors in their applications.

Emphasis on 2022 list and documents

In her new petition, Mamata Banerjee has demanded that no voter's name be removed from the 2022 voter list and that no citizen be denied the right to vote. She has also urged that documents such as Aadhaar cards, permanent residence certificates, Panchayat residence certificates, family registers, Socio-Economic Caste Census data, and land or house allotment certificates be recognized and accepted by the Election Commission as valid.

I know the court's discipline

Most importantly, Mamata Banerjee has requested permission to present her side in the petition. She argued that as the Chief Minister of a state and Chairperson of the TMC, she has full knowledge of the facts and circumstances of the case. She stated that she is well versed in the court's functioning and discipline, and that presenting her case in person would help the court resolve the matter. It is reported that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally visited the Supreme Court before the hearing, which has sparked a stir in political circles.