The Supreme Court recently emphasized that being excluded from the voter list during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal does not automatically lead to the loss of citizenship.

The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, reiterated this point while addressing a petition seeking to streamline the hearing process in appellate tribunals.The court clarified that the Election Commission, which oversees voter roll revisions, lacks the authority to determine citizenship status.Legal representatives highlighted that 34 lakh appeals are pending, with only 38,000 resolved, and 70% of these are accepted.

Concerns were raised about the West Bengal government's measures denying welfare benefits and caste certificates to those excluded from the voter list.

The court also noted that a passport is not a definitive proof of citizenship, as the Ministry of External Affairs clarifies it's a travel document.

The ruling underscores the legal distinction between electoral participation and citizenship rights, ensuring affected individuals retain their civic entitlements.