PolityGovernance
News 8 of 22

SC Invokes Article 142, Sets Up Tribunals for 34 Lakh Appeals After WB Voter List Deletion

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
23 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:34 lakh appeals700 judicial officers60.06 lakh electors flagged27.10 lakh deleted19 appellate tribunalsArticle 142
Bodies:Supreme CourtElection Commission of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to appoint 19 former HC judges as appellate tribunals to handle appeals from voters deleted from West Bengal electoral rolls.

2.34 lakh appeals are pending, with ECI processing only around 650 cases, reinstating 139 names for the first phase of polling.

3.Major grounds for appeal include lack of prior notice/hearing and allegations that documents proving eligibility were not placed before judicial officers.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to appoint appellate tribunals to handle 34 lakh appeals against the deletion of voters from West Bengal's electoral rolls, highlighting procedural lapses like lack of notice and non-consideration of documents. This underscores the critical balance between electoral integrity and the fundamental right to vote.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Appeals Pending34 lakh
SC-Appointed Judicial Officers700 (from WB, Jharkhand, Odisha)
Electors Flagged for Discrepancies60.06 lakh (8% of electorate)
Electors Deleted After Adjudication27.10 lakh
Number of Appellate Tribunals19 former HC judges
Article Invoked by SCArticle 142

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total Appeals Pending: 34 lakh
  • ›SC-Appointed Judicial Officers: 700 (from WB, Jharkhand, Odisha)
  • ›Target this Data: 34 lakh appeals pending before tribunals.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (ECI) and Supreme Court.
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Article 142 of the Constitution invoked by Supreme Court.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which constitutional body is primarily responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the West Bengal voter list deletion case:

1. The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to appoint appellate tribunals.

2. The Election Commission had considered around 650 cases and reinstated 139 names for the first phase of polling.

3. The total number of electors flagged for 'logical discrepancies' during the Special Intensive Revision was 27.10 lakh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, how many former High Court judges were appointed by the Election Commission as single-member appellate tribunals on March 20?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What was a primary ground cited by voters in their appeals to the tribunals, as highlighted in the article?

All 20 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Polity Current Affairs

ECI SIR Process: 93% Inclusion Rate in WB Appeals; SC Hearing on Voter Deletions in Delhi & WB

The ECI's SIR process has led to massive disenfranchisement in West Bengal and Delhi. With only 3.2% of appeals disposed and 93% of those restored, the process is deeply flawed. The Supreme Court is hearing petitions; this has major implications for electoral integrity and universal adult franchise.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Uses Article 142 to Quash NEET FIRs; PM at SCO Demands Action on Terror Financing

Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash all NEET protest FIRs, showcasing its plenary powers. PM Modi at the SCO summit called for united action against state-sponsored terrorism, indirectly targeting Pakistan. Other key updates include bank unions striking over PLI and 5-day week, totaliser debate, and India's tunnel rescue in Nepal.

Polity Current Affairs

EC Decision-Making Under Scrutiny: Article 324, CEC Act 2023, Dissent Notes Explained

The Election Commission's internal dissent has come under the spotlight after two Election Commissioners recorded objections 14 times in 10 months. This raises critical questions about the functioning of a constitutional body, the balance between unanimity and majority decision-making, and the protection of dissenting voices — a core area for UPSC and State PSC exams.

Polity Current Affairs

ECI's Special Intensive Revision Deletes 13 Crore Names, Overhaul Demanded After SC Ruling

The Election Commission's press note after internal discord over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is mere damage control, leaving lakhs of deleted voters without redress. This editorial exposes deep flaws in the electoral roll revision process and demands reconstitution of the ECI to safeguard democratic integrity.

Polity Current Affairs

Election Commission's SIR Deletes 13.37 Crore Names from Draft Rolls; Delhi Deletion Rate Highest at 32.8%

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has resulted in deletion of over 13 crore names across 30 states/UTs, with Delhi recording the highest deletion rate of 32.8%. This is the first intensive revision in two decades, and the Supreme Court has upheld the SIR order. For UPSC aspirants, this is critical for understanding electoral reforms, the role of the Election Commission, and the legal framework of voter registration.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Split Verdict on CEC/EC Appointment Act, 2023; Matter Referred to CJI for Constitution Bench

A two-judge Supreme Court bench has split on whether to refer the challenge to the CEC and ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 to a five-judge Constitution Bench. With Justice Dipankar Datta disagreeing with Justice S C Sharma, the case now goes to the CJI for constituting a larger bench. For aspirants, this is a direct link to Article 324, the Anoop Baranwal verdict, and the independence of the Election Commission.

Polity Current Affairs

Supreme Court Split Verdict: Justice Dipankar Datta Terms Centre's Remarks on Collegium 'Disquieting'

In a split verdict, Justice Dipankar Datta of the Supreme Court strongly defended the collegium system, terming the Centre's oral criticism as 'disingenuous, evasive and disquieting'. The judgment reaffirms the judiciary's independence in appointments and warns against undermining institutional integrity. Essential for UPSC Polity (Judicial Appointments, Separation of Powers).

Polity Current Affairs

Supreme Court Questions Fairness of PM-Led Panel for CEC Appointment Under 2023 Act

The Supreme Court has questioned whether the selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners by a PM-led committee (with a Union Minister and LoP) demonstrates 'fairness'. The Centre defended the process citing constitutional trust, but the court hinted at the need for a more independent mechanism. This is crucial for understanding the debate on institutional independence and the Election Commission's autonomy.