The Election Commission of India has introduced an alternative identity verification mechanism for judges handling appeals under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal. In a move aimed at resolving the ongoing deadlock over Aadhaar-based verification, the Commission has directed that PAN cards and government-approved identity documents can now be used to generate Digital Signature Certificates (DSCs) for tribunal judges.
The decision is expected to help restart the process of issuing final orders on pending voter appeals, which has remained stalled for several weeks.
According to administrative sources, judges serving on the SIR appellate tribunals in West Bengal have not been issuing final orders through the Election Commission's portal since September 21. The problem began after a new Aadhaar-based identity verification system was introduced on the platform. Several judges reportedly objected to the new arrangement and refused to log in to the portal.
On September 24, the judges wrote to the Additional Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, demanding the withdrawal of the Aadhaar-based verification mechanism. These tribunals, constituted under the directions of the Supreme Court, are responsible for hearing appeals filed by voters against decisions taken during the SIR exercise.
Alternative Verification Mechanism Introduced
To address the situation, the Election Commission issued fresh guidelines last week. Under the revised arrangement, judges can use their PAN cards or other government-approved identity documents instead of Aadhaar to complete the verification process required for generating Digital Signature Certificates.
The move is intended to address the judges' objections and enable them to resume their work without further administrative delays.
Pending Appeals Raise Concerns Before Assembly Elections
The delay has become particularly significant ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections. Following the SIR exercise, approximately 27.10 lakh voters were identified as ineligible and removed from the electoral rolls.
Several affected individuals have challenged their exclusion through the appellate mechanism. However, the suspension of the process for issuing final tribunal orders has created uncertainty among voters awaiting decisions on their appeals.
For many applicants, the outcome of these proceedings will determine whether their names can be restored to the electoral rolls.
The Election Commission's latest decision has therefore raised hopes of a possible breakthrough in the stalled process. However, it remains to be seen whether the alternative verification mechanism will resolve the judges' concerns and allow hearings and final orders to resume fully.
With the Assembly elections approaching, the timely disposal of pending appeals has become an important administrative challenge for the Election Commission in West Bengal.
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