The Supreme Court of India has fixed a series of hearings to examine petitions challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Bihar. The hearings will begin with Kerala on December 2, followed by Tamil Nadu on December 4, and West Bengal on December 9. Pleas connected to Bihar’s SIR exercise will also be taken up.

In Kerala, the case stems from the postponement of the SIR due to local body elections. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi informed the court that several related petitions are already pending before the Madras High Court. According to the State Election Commission, coordination with the ECI remains strong—over 99% of voters have received forms, and more than half have submitted them digitally.

Acting on the issue, the Chief Justice of India directed that an interim status report on Kerala’s SIR be submitted. Both the ECI and State Election Commissions have been asked to file their responses by December 1. Lawyers involved in the Tamil Nadu petitions will receive soft copies of all documents, and replies must be submitted by December 3.

A major concern emerged during discussions on West Bengal, where 23 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) reportedly died during the SIR process. The apex court has demanded detailed explanations from the West Bengal Election Office and ordered responses from the ECI and the State Election Commission by December 1.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed strong criticism over the situation, saying: "I cannot say anything about this. I have the entire record of who died by suicide, who died due to trauma… They threaten the BLOs that they will be put in jail and have their jobs taken away… Democracy will remain, but your job will not be there."

Adding to the tense atmosphere, the ECI reported a serious security breach at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal on November 24, 2025. The Commission noted that the security apparatus appeared inadequate and posed potential threats to senior electoral officers. The ECI has directed police authorities to upgrade security for officials at the CEO office, their residences, and during travel. It has also instructed that security classifications be strengthened due to the sensitivity of the SIR and the upcoming elections.