3 min learnNew DelhiUp to date: Feb 9, 2026 05:08 AM IST
With the function of the “micro observers” in the course of the Particular Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal beneath scrutiny, the Election Fee final week instructed the Supreme Court docket that they’ve been deputed solely to facilitate the officers on the bottom, whereas Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) proceed to determine on additions and deletions of names from the rolls.
Replying to an utility filed by one of many petitioners, TMC member of Parliament Dola Sen, in opposition to the SIR on January 24, the EC stated in its affidavit on February 4: “It’s false to recommend that statutory powers have been vested within the micro observers.”
By the way, on February 4, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, who can also be one of many petitioners, argued in individual within the SC, saying that her state was being focused as 8,100 Central authorities staff had been appointed as micro observers. The EC had not appointed micro observers within the different eight states and three Union Territories the place the SIR can also be underway.
In its affidavit in response to Sen, the EC stated it was a indisputable fact that the micro observers had been Central authorities or Public Sector Endeavor officers who had been on “deputation” and beneath “management” of the Bengal Chief Electoral Officer. “Their capabilities are purely facilitative, and the ultimate choice qua acceptance or rejection of eligibility of any elector stays with the ERO/AERO. Due to this fact, merely as a result of some micro observers have additionally been appointed from public sector organisations doesn’t imply that they lack competence…” it stated.
Standoff over micro observers
In line with the Illustration of the Individuals Act, 1950, solely the Electoral Registration Officers (ERO) or Assistant ERO of an Meeting constituency can add or delete names from the rolls. The TMC has alleged that micro observers are re-verifying the choices taken by the ERO/AERO. As per the EC’s directions to the Bengal CEO on December 19, 2025, the micro observers are to test the paperwork submitted by electors, amongst different duties.
With over 1 crore electors, out of a complete of seven.08 crore, in Bengal being requested to submit extra paperwork to determine their eligibility, together with citizenship, the EC stated the household registers maintained at Anganwadi centres “can’t be accepted as a sound doc” for the SIR.
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