Supreme Court Affirms Election Commission's Role in Voter List Revision

The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission of India's authority to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, reinforcing the mandate for free and fair elections. The decision countered claims that the poll panel exceeded its powers, emphasizing the exercise's constitutional necessity.

The Supreme Court has confirmed the Election Commission of India's authority to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This move highlights the constitutional requirement for fair and transparent elections, according to the ruling.

Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that the SIR was not simply an administrative convenience but a crucial element in maintaining the integrity of elections. The bench clarified that the Election Commission operated within its statutory mandate. This decision came after petitions, including one by the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms, challenged the SIR's legality.

The court's ruling followed extensive arguments and highlighted that the Commission's inclusion or exclusion of voter names is a constitutional obligation. The SIR process led to the removal of 65 lakh names from draft rolls, with emphasis on verifying voters' ancestral links. The Election Commission defended its actions, noting the limitations of Aadhaar and voter ID cards as conclusive citizenship proof. Petitioners, however, likened the revision process to a National Register of Citizens exercise, suggesting the checking of citizenship should be a central government prerogative.