Supreme Court to Address Controversial Electoral Roll Revision in Tamil Nadu and Beyond

The Supreme Court will address a plea from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu. The pressure on Anganwadi workers and teachers as Booth Level Officers is notable. The hearing connects with broader challenges across several Indian states about electoral roll exercises.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea filed by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu. Concerns have been raised about the undue pressure on Anganwadi workers and teachers, serving as Booth Level Officers, tasked with meeting strict targets or facing severe repercussions, including potential imprisonment.

A bench, including Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, has scheduled the plea for a hearing on December 4. Meanwhile, other cases challenging the SIR exercises, including one from the Communist Party of India regarding Kerala, will be heard over the following days. Several petitions have pointed to significant issues, such as the disenfranchisement threat to Bangladeshi refugees in West Bengal under delayed citizenship processes.

The court has emphasized the need for thorough examination, scheduling hearings across December to address these matters and their implications comprehensively. The Election Commission's authority to revise the electoral rolls has come under scrutiny, highlighting the necessity for a detailed review of its procedures amidst increasing political and social tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)