The Supreme Court today ordered an extension of the time for objections by a week from February 14 in the West Bengal SIR case. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice NV Anjaria also directed the State to make available to the Election Commission Group B officers for SIR duties, who can replace the micro-observers deployed by the Commission. The Court also clarified that final orders on claims and objections can be passed only by the Electoral Registration Officers (ERO), and that the micro-observers can only assist them.

The Court also directed the Director General of Police of the State to file a personal affidavit responding to the concerns raised by the ECI regarding failure to stop threats and violence against SIR officials. The Apex Court said it would not allow anyone to create an impediment in the exercise. The Court said it will issue whatever orders or clarifications are required in the matter.