Election Commission's Role in Determining Voter Citizenship Challenged

The Supreme Court deliberated on the Election Commission's power to verify citizenship for voter registration. While the commission maintains its role is limited to voter registration, petitioners argue it lacks authority to determine citizenship. The debate addresses constitutional concerns and the integrity of electoral rolls, with hearings set to continue.

The Election Commission (EC) is under scrutiny as it faces the Supreme Court to clarify its authority over determining voter citizenship. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the EC, asserted that the commission's role is limited to voter registration, not adjudicating citizenship extensively.

Petitioners, including the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, challenge the commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls, questioning its power to ascertain citizenship. Article 326, cited by Dwivedi, forms the constitutional basis for elections grounded in adult suffrage, requiring clear citizenship criteria for voter registration.

Despite concerns of disenfranchisement, Dwivedi emphasized that exclusions, such as due to death or migration, are inherent to updating rolls. The EC aims to uphold constitutional duties by preventing non-citizens from voting, but its mandate does not extend to broader immigration issues. Hearings are expected to resume soon.

(With inputs from agencies.)