CJI Surya Kant says active participation strengthens democracy; Court grants liberty
The Supreme Court appreciated the high voter turnout in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections.
The elections took place during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The Court also noted that polling took place without major violence.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi heard the matter.
The observations came during the hearing of petitions concerning the SIR of electoral rolls in West Bengal.
The petitions challenged large-scale inclusions and exclusions of voters.
The lead case is Mostari Banu v. Election Commission of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 1089/2025, along with connected matters.
Senior Advocates Kalyan Banerjee, Rauf Rahim, Menaka Guruswamy, Siddharth Luthra, and DS Naidu appeared in the matter.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the authorities.
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kalyan Banerjee told the Court that West Bengal recorded around 92% voter turnout in the first phase.
He also said that migrant workers returned to the State to vote.
The Chief Justice expressed satisfaction over the high participation.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted another important aspect.
He noted that the polling took place without major violence.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also praised the role of security forces.
He said the security arrangements helped prevent untoward incidents. However, he acknowledged that minor incidents took place.
The Bench observed that high voter participation reflects faith in democracy.
It also said active participation reduces the possibility of unrest.
During the exchange, Justice Bagchi quoted a Bengali proverb:
The Supreme Court granted liberty to persons aggrieved by inclusion or exclusion from electoral rolls.
They may approach the Calcutta High Court or the concerned Appellate Tribunals.
The Court then re-listed the matter for further consideration.
