ECI awaits judicial nominees as vacancies plague SIR tribunals

Three positions remain vacant across the 19 Special Income-Related (SIR) tribunals under the Election Commission of India's purview, with the poll panel awaiting fresh nominations from the Calcutta High Court to fill the gaps. These tribunals, which fall administratively under the Calcutta High Court's jurisdiction, handle specialized matters related to electoral income regulations and compliance.

While the tribunals maintain their reporting relationship with the high court, the Election Commission provides essential administrative support, including secretarial staff and a digital platform enabling virtual hearings. This hybrid arrangement ensures smooth functioning of the quasi-judicial system across the region.

The vacant positions have raised questions about the operational efficiency of these tribunals, which process cases that require timely resolution during election cycles. The ECI's reliance on the high court to provide suitable candidates has delayed the appointment process, potentially impacting case disposal rates.

As the nominating authority, the Calcutta High Court is expected to submit recommendations to fill the three vacancies in the coming weeks. Officials from both institutions are coordinating to expedite the process and restore full strength to the tribunal system.