The Supreme Court declined to hear a petition challenging the Election Commission of India’s choice to conduct a “Special Revision” rather than a more thorough “Special Intensive Revision” of electoral rolls in Assam before the 2026 Assembly elections. The court dismissed the petition as the revision process in Assam had already concluded, with the final electoral rolls published on February 10, 2026. The petitioner had argued that Assam was treated differently despite the ECI’s earlier assurance of a pan-India Special Intensive Revision.
Senior advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu representing the ECI informed the court about the completion of the revision exercise in Assam, rendering the petition moot. The Chief Justice-led Bench noted that Assam’s circumstances were unique due to historical reasons, making a Special Intensive Revision impractical. The court highlighted the complexities in determining citizenship in Assam and the Election Commission’s limitations in declaring individuals as foreigners without tribunal findings.
The petitioner, citing the ECI’s past directives, raised concerns over Assam undergoing only a “Special Revision” while other states had a Special Intensive Revision. The ECI’s decision to not require supporting documents during the Special Revision in Assam was questioned, especially considering the state’s demographic challenges. The petition emphasized the necessity of an intensive revision in Assam given its history of infiltration and unique demographic profile.
