PolityGovernance
News 28 of 36

Election Commission Deletes Over 90.83 Lakh Voter Names in West Bengal Under Special Intensive Revision

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
07 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Over 90.83 lakh deletions11.85% deletion rate45.22% post-adjudication deletionApril 13, 2026 (SC hearing)April 6, 2026 (roll freeze)
Bodies:Election Commission of IndiaSupreme Court of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.The Election Commission of India (ECI) deleted over 90.83 lakh voter names in West Bengal after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and subsequent judicial adjudication.

2.Post-adjudication, 45.22% of the 60.06 lakh 'under scrutiny' cases were deleted, with high deletion rates in districts like Nadia (77.86%) and North 24 Parganas (55.08%).

3.The electoral rolls for the first phase of elections are now frozen, with the Supreme Court set to hear the matter again on April 13, 2026.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

A major voter list revision in West Bengal has seen the deletion of over 90.83 lakh (approx. 11.85%) names following judicial scrutiny, raising questions about electoral integrity and franchise rights ahead of assembly elections. This exercise, ordered by the Supreme Court, highlights the critical role of the Election Commission in maintaining accurate electoral rolls.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Voters DeletedOver 90.83 lakh
Deletion Percentage11.85% of 7.66 crore base
Post-Adjudication Deletion45.22% (27.16 lakh of 60.06 lakh)
Next SC HearingApril 13, 2026
First Phase Roll FreezeApril 6, 2026

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total Voters Deleted: Over 90.83 lakh
  • ›Deletion Percentage: 11.85% of 7.66 crore base
  • ›Target this Data: 'Over 90.83 lakh' voter deletions and '45.22%' post-adjudication deletion rate.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: 'Election Commission of India (ECI)' conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Supreme Court-ordered 'Special Tribunals' for adjudication and Article 324 for ECI's powers.

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 conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as mentioned in the news?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal:

1. The final deletion figure stood at a little over 90.83 lakh names, representing about 11.85% of the electorate.

2. The Supreme Court declined West Bengal's plea to delay the voter roll freeze and ordered the setting up of special tribunals for adjudication.

3. Following judicial scrutiny, more than 50% of the voters placed under adjudication were deleted from the rolls.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the Election Commission data mentioned in the article, what percentage of the voters placed 'under adjudication' were deleted after judicial scrutiny?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary constitutional implication of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the subsequent judicial scrutiny as discussed in the news?

All 25 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Polity Current Affairs

SC Urges West Bengal Speaker to Decide Disqualification Petitions by Oct 8 Under Tenth Schedule

The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal Assembly Speaker to decide disqualification petitions against 10 rebel MLAs by October 8, reinforcing the 'reasonable time' principle from the Keisham Meghachandra Singh judgment. This case highlights the tension between Speaker-led adjudication under the Tenth Schedule and the EC's interim orders, a recurring theme in anti-defection law.

Polity Current Affairs

Special Intensive Revision: 43.7% Voters Untraceable in 25 Urban Maharashtra Seats

Maharashtra's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after 24 years reveals that over 40% of voters in 25 urban constituencies could not be traced, threatening their inclusion in the draft roll. This highlights systemic issues in urban voter registration and the challenges of maintaining accurate electoral rolls in high-mobility areas.

Polity Current Affairs

Election Commission's SIR Deletes 13 Crore Names from Draft Rolls; Raises Questions on Population & Voting Rights

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to the deletion of 13 crore names from draft rolls, including nearly one-third of Delhi's electorate. This article by a former Chief Election Commissioner uses satire to highlight the absurdity of treating electoral roll deletions as a solution to India's population problem, while drawing parallels with the Assam NRC and warning of potential disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

Polity Current Affairs

EC Data: 22.21 Lakh West Bengal Excluded Voters Filed SIR Appeals in SC

The Election Commission revealed in the Supreme Court that over 22.21 lakh voters excluded during West Bengal's electoral roll revision have appealed their removal. This case is crucial for understanding the EC's powers, electoral roll accuracy, and the judicial oversight of election processes—key topics for UPSC Polity and State PSC exams.

Polity Current Affairs

Telangana's Khairatabad Seat Vacant After Danam Nagender Disqualified Under Anti-Defection Law

The Telangana Legislative Assembly has officially notified the disqualification of BRS MLA Danam Nagender from the Khairatabad constituency after the Supreme Court upheld the High Court order under anti-defection law. The seat is now vacant, and the Election Commission will announce a by-election schedule.

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

SC Upholds Telangana MLA Danam Nagender Disqualification Under Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)

Supreme Court upheld the disqualification of Telangana MLA Danam Nagender for defecting from BRS to Congress. The court rejected the 'ghar wapsi' argument, reinforcing that voluntarily giving up party membership under the Tenth Schedule cannot be condoned by claiming regret. This judgment reaffirms judicial review over Speaker's decisions in anti-defection cases.

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.