Election Commission Suspends Seven Bengal Officials Over SIR Irregularities

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has suspended seven officials in West Bengal with immediate effect over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process. The action was taken under Section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, citing serious misconduct, dereliction of duty and misuse of statutory authority.
According to officials familiar with the matter, the disciplinary move follows instances where documents not prescribed under the SIR guidelines were uploaded during the revision exercise. In certain cases, concerns were also raised over the sharing of official passwords with third parties, which was viewed as a breach of protocol.
The commission has directed the Chief Secretary of West Bengal to initiate formal disciplinary proceedings against the suspended officers through their respective cadre controlling authorities. The state administration has been instructed to regularly update the commission on the progress of these proceedings.
Sources indicated that the commission had repeatedly urged the state government since August to take corrective action against the officials concerned. However, with no substantial steps reportedly taken, the commission intervened directly. Last week, the Chief Secretary was summoned and asked to ensure compliance with its directives by February 17. Officials described the suspensions as among the most stringent measures taken so far in the SIR exercise.
The suspended officials include assistant electoral registration officers from constituencies such as Samserganj, Farakka, Maynaguri, Suti, Canning Purbo and Debra.
The move is being viewed as a clear signal that deviations from prescribed electoral procedures will not be tolerated. The development follows recent remarks by Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari urging the commission to take independent action where required.
The latest intervention underscores the commission’s intent to reinforce accountability and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process in the state.