New Delhi: The Supreme Court registry has identified over ten procedural defects in the petition filed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition figures challenging alleged large-scale deletions and irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petition seeks an independent audit of the revision process.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the apex court registry, on Monday, requested the filing lawyer to provide a clear copy of the identification card of Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also listed as a co-petitioner. Further issues raised by the registry included certain illegible or missing pages within the submitted documents and a shortfall of over Rs 200 in the requisite court fee.
Rahul Gandhi, along with several other prominent opposition leaders, had marched to the Supreme Court premises earlier on Monday to formally lodge the petition. The plea specifically calls for the establishment of an independent committee to oversee a thorough audit of deletions and modifications made during the SIR process. This committee, according to the petition, should be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and supported by technical experts and other distinguished citizens, with a mandate to complete the audit within a stipulated timeframe.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is a crucial process aimed at ensuring the accuracy and completeness of voter lists. It involves reviewing existing voter data, deleting ineligible voters, and adding eligible new voters. Concerns about the integrity of this process, particularly allegations of mass deletions, have been voiced by opposition parties in various states, leading to the filing of this petition in the Supreme Court. The opposition parties argue that such irregularities could significantly impact the fairness of upcoming elections.
The Supreme Court’s registry plays a vital role in ensuring that all petitions filed adhere to established legal procedures and contain all necessary documentation and filings. By flagging these defects, the registry aims to facilitate a smooth and proper adjudication of the case once all procedural requirements are met. The court will likely hear the matter after the petitioners rectify the identified shortcomings in their plea.
The timing of the petition and its subsequent flagging by the registry comes amid heightened political activity and scrutiny of electoral processes across India. The Congress party and its allies have been vocal about electoral reforms and transparency, with the issue of voter deletions becoming a focal point in their discourse. The outcome of this petition could have significant implications for the conduct and perception of future electoral exercises in the country.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
