The Supreme Court has upheld the legality of the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating that it is within the Commission’s constitutional and statutory powers under Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The apex Court observed that the SIR process is linked to the objective of ensuring free and fair elections and cannot be invalidated merely because it differs from routine revision procedures, as long as it is conducted within the legal framework.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant held that the Election Commission is empowered to undertake such special revisions when required, and that the Bihar notification issued in June last year was not in excess of its authority.
The Court also rejected challenges alleging violation of the electoral roll rules and concerns over presumption of citizenship, stating that the process is aimed at maintaining the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.
India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, has appealed to young citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. He said that every citizen who has attained the age of 18 should register themselves as voters and take part in strengthening the country’s democracy.
Photo: File/A general view of the Supreme Court of India standing tall under a clear sky, in New Delhi, Monday, January 05, 2025.
