Why micro observers in Bengal are at the heart of Mamata vs EC battle, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee challenged the Election Commission (EC) in the Supreme Court regarding the appointment of micro observers during the Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
• Banerjee alleged the EC was unfairly targeting Bengal by deploying approximately 8,100 micro observers, primarily from BJP-ruled states, while similar exercises in other states did not have the same level of scrutiny.
• The EC defended its decision, stating it was compelled to appoint micro observers due to the West Bengal government's failure to provide an adequate number of SDM-rank officers for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
• Historically, micro observers have been appointed only for the day of polling, not for the electoral roll revision process, raising questions about the EC's current actions.

Detailed Insights:

• The core of the dispute lies in the EC's decision to appoint micro observers for the SIR in West Bengal, a process usually overseen by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), who are statutory authorities for voter list revisions.
• Mamata Banerjee argues that the EC bypassed the established protocol by deploying micro observers, who allegedly manipulated data on the ERONET portal to influence voter deletions and additions.
• The EC cited the West Bengal government's lack of cooperation in providing suitable officers for ERO roles as the reason for appointing micro observers, claiming it acted within its constitutional powers under Article 324 (6).
• The role of these micro observers, as per the Bengal CEO's office, includes checking numeration forms, verifying documents submitted by electors, and observing hearings related to voter eligibility.
• The Representation of the People Act, 1951 designates EROs or Assistant EROs (AEROs) as the statutory authority for voter list modifications, further emphasizing the controversy surrounding the EC's decision.
• Former CEC O P Rawat confirmed that the appointment of micro observers for electoral roll revision is unprecedented, as they were traditionally deployed only on polling day.
• The EC's Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, while detailing the role of electoral roll observers, does not mention micro observers in the context of roll revisions, adding to the ambiguity surrounding their appointment.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Special Summary Revision (SIR): An exercise conducted by the Election Commission to update and revise electoral rolls.
• Electoral Registration Officer (ERO): An officer appointed by the Election Commission responsible for preparing and revising the electoral roll for a constituency.
• Article 324 (6): A clause in the Indian Constitution that empowers the Election Commission to appoint staff necessary for conducting elections.