Kolkata, April 3 The Election Commission has released the eighth supplementary list and stated that it has disposed of approximately 52 lakh cases under adjudication in West Bengal, expressing hope that the process will be completed within the next few days, in line with the directions of the Calcutta High Court.
The verification and disposal of approximately 52 lakh cases, which were under adjudication, has been completed by Thursday evening. Work for the remaining nearly 8 lakh applicants is in progress and is expected to be completed within the next four days, an Election Commission official said.
Officials expressed confidence that, if the current pace is maintained, the entire adjudication process will be completed by April 7.
Over 60 lakh names were under scrutiny after the final draft electoral rolls were published.
The adjudication is being carried out by judicial officers in compliance with the Supreme Court directions.
The exercise assumes significance as the first phase of elections in the state is scheduled for April 23, while the last date for filing nominations for the first phase is April 6. The verification process needs to be completed before the rolls are frozen.
The poll official said the issue of security for judicial officers engaged in the verification process has gained added importance following the incident in Malda's Kaliachak, where they were gheraoed on Wednesday night.
"In view of the incident, adequate steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of judicial officers deployed for voter verification," a source said.
Meanwhile, those whose names do not appear in the supplementary list will now have to approach tribunals for redressal. However, uncertainty remains over when the tribunals will begin functioning.