Kolkata, Jan 9, 2026: In a move aimed at easing the electoral verification process, the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has announced that certain voters temporarily residing outside the state or abroad are exempt from attending in-person hearings under the Special Intensive Revision of Rolls (SIR). This decision allows eligible voters to be represented by a family member, provided the necessary documents are submitted.

Background: SIR Hearings

The SIR process is part of the electoral roll revision exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that voter lists are accurate, complete, and free from discrepancies. Notices for SIR hearings are sent to voters whose entries are flagged under unmapped cases or logical discrepancies.

• Unmapped cases involve entries that cannot be linked to previous electoral roll data.
• Logical discrepancy cases include inconsistencies in age, family relationships, or other personal details that require verification.

Traditionally, voters whose names fall under these categories are required to appear in person at designated hearing centers for verification. However, logistical challenges for voters temporarily away from the state have prompted adjustments to the process.

Exemption Details

According to a directive issued on Thursday by the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, the exemption from personal appearance applies to voters temporarily outside West Bengal due to:

• Studies or educational purposes
• Employment, including private sector work
• Official duties in government, military, paramilitary, or PSU organizations
• Medical treatment
• Residence abroad for any reason

Under the new procedure, these voters may have a family member attend the hearing on their behalf. The representative must provide:

1. Proof of relationship with the elector
2. One document from the list prescribed by the Election Commission, including identity and residence proofs

The verification officer will examine the documents and record submissions in the same manner as when an elector appears in person. The directive clarifies that this approach does not alter the verification framework; it simply allows voters who are temporarily away to participate without physical travel to the hearing center.

Precedent and Practical Implications

The directive comes in response to practical challenges faced by students, migrant workers, and others living outside the state, who had raised concerns over the inability to attend hearings within the stipulated time.

The move also follows high-profile cases such as that of Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who received a hearing notice after logical discrepancies were detected in his enumeration form. The Election Commission had earlier clarified that Sen would not be required to travel to the hearing center, and arrangements would be made at his ancestral residence in Birbhum district.

Political parties and civil society groups had also pointed out that mandatory personal appearance could lead to the exclusion of eligible voters, particularly those temporarily residing elsewhere. By allowing representation through family members, the CEO aims to ensure inclusivity and prevent disenfranchisement.

Continuity with Previous Relaxations

The latest exemption builds on earlier relaxations provided by the Election Commission for other voter categories, including:

• Senior citizens above a specified age
• Persons with disabilities
• Pregnant women

These voters had previously been allowed to undergo verification through alternative means rather than attending in person.

Operational Guidelines

Officials emphasized that the verification process for represented voters mirrors the in-person procedure. The attending family member submits required documents, which the verification officer examines and records, ensuring that all legal and procedural safeguards are maintained.

District Election Officers have been instructed to implement this directive across all relevant hearing centers, ensuring that temporary absence does not prevent eligible voters from completing the verification process.

Broader Impact

The CEO’s move is expected to reduce logistical hurdles in the SIR process and facilitate smoother completion of voter roll revisions. It ensures that voters temporarily away from West Bengal, including those serving in the armed forces or posted abroad, remain active participants in the democratic process.

Election officials have noted that this step is crucial for maintaining accuracy and completeness in the voter list, as unmapped and logically discrepant cases often involve individuals who may have moved temporarily for legitimate reasons. By allowing family representation, the state aims to protect voter rights while maintaining procedural integrity.