SIR hearing today; Mamata seeks to argue case in SC
What's the story
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will appear before the Supreme Court on Wednesday in connection with the ongoing case related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in her state. She is expected to seek permission from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to argue the case herself. Banerjee, who has an LLB degree, has filed an interim application through her legal team seeking approval from the court to make submissions directly, per India Today.
Legal knowledge
Banerjee claims to be familiar with SIR case
In her interim application, Banerjee has claimed to be a petitioner in the West Bengal SIR case and is familiar with its facts. She has also said that she understands the decorum and procedures of the Supreme Court, promising to conduct herself according to established rules. The application further states that she knows the ground realities faced by West Bengal residents due to the ongoing SIR exercise.
Court proceedings
Several pleas related to Bengal sir case listed today
Later in the day, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi will hear several pleas related to the SIR case. The pleas have been filed by Banerjee, Trinamool Congress MPs Derek O'Brien and Dola Sen, and petitioner Mostari Banu. A pass for entry into the Supreme Court premises has also been issued in Banerjee's name, indicating her expected presence during the hearing.
Political tensions
Banerjee knocks every door to protect democracy
Before her expected SC appearance, Banerjee intensified her standoff with the Election Commission over the SIR process. She claimed she was "knocking on every door" to protect democracy. She has also turned to media, bringing alleged victims of the SIR exercise before cameras to highlight what she called serious discrepancies in Bengal ahead of elections.
Court directives
Supreme Court's directions on Bengal sir exercise
During the January 19 hearing, the Supreme Court had issued directions on the SIR exercise in West Bengal. The court stressed that the process should be transparent and not inconvenience voters. It directed the Election Commission to publicly display names of individuals flagged under "logical discrepancies" at gram panchayat bhavans and block offices. These centers were also designated as locations where voters could submit supporting documents and file objections.