The Supreme Court is set to deliver a crucial judgment on Wednesday regarding petitions challenging the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, will announce its decision on May 27 after a series of hearings. The petitions question the legality of the SIR exercise, arguing that it exceeds the ECI’s powers under the Constitution and relevant laws.
The core issue revolves around the ECI’s demand that voters missing from the 2002 or 2003 electoral rolls in certain states must prove ancestral linkage to a listed voter. Concerns have been raised that this requirement could disenfranchise legitimate voters, especially marginalized and migrant communities lacking ancestral documentation. The Supreme Court, during the proceedings, issued interim orders to ensure transparency and alleviate difficulties faced by affected voters.
Several petitions were filed last year following the ECI’s decision to conduct SIR in Bihar, later expanding it to states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The Election Commission defended the revision, emphasizing its role in maintaining electoral roll integrity and preventing unauthorized voter inclusions. After extensive deliberations, the CJI-led Bench reserved its verdict on January 29.
