EC can delete doubtful voters, cannot decide citizenship: SC

Supreme Court said EC can delete doubtful voters from rolls but cannot decide citizenship, which is the Union government's authority.

SC sought responses from West Bengal and EC on a PIL alleging denial of welfare benefits like ration to people deleted from voter lists during Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Only 1% of SIR appeals have been decided by tribunals; 70% of decided appeals were allowed, restoring names to voter lists.

Petitioner Prasenjit Bose cited a West Bengal order to reverify caste certificates of those deleted from voter lists, possibly cancelling them.

SC posted the matter for further hearing on August 25 and suggested speedy adjudication of appeals be raised before Calcutta HC chief justice.