The Supreme Court is poised to announce a significant decision on Wednesday regarding challenges to the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petitions question the legality of this exercise, arguing that it surpasses the ECI’s authority under the Constitution and related laws. At the core of the dispute is the demand for voters missing from earlier rolls to prove ancestral ties to listed individuals.
During the hearings, the Supreme Court issued interim directives to enhance transparency and alleviate challenges faced by affected voters in various states and union territories. Initially, the ECI specified 11 documents for verification, later adding Aadhaar as an additional requirement. The petitions arose last year following the SIR initiation in Bihar, subsequently expanding to states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
The Election Commission defended the revision as a measure to uphold the integrity of electoral rolls and prevent unauthorized voter inclusions. After extensive deliberations, the Chief Justice-led Bench reserved its judgment on January 29, awaiting the final verdict.
