Supreme Court Affirms Election Commission's Authority in Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
EC not acting outside its statutory powers: Supreme Court upholds power of Election Commission to conduct SIR
Image: Deccan Herald
The Supreme Court of India upheld the Election Commission's (EC) authority to conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it operates within its statutory powers. This ruling came in response to petitions challenging the SIR process in Bihar, affirming that it aligns with the Representation of the People Act.
- 01The Supreme Court ruled that the Election Commission's (EC) exercise of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is within its statutory powers.
- 02The court emphasized that the SIR process does not violate the Representation of the People Act.
- 03The judgement was delivered in response to petitions questioning the EC's authority under Article 326 of the Constitution.
- 04The court noted that the measures taken by the EC fulfill the constitutional purpose of ensuring accurate electoral rolls.
- 05Chief Justice Surya Kant led the bench that reserved its verdict on these petitions on January 29.
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On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India affirmed that the Election Commission (EC) acted within its statutory powers by conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This decision arose from a series of petitions challenging the SIR exercise in Bihar, where it was argued that the EC lacked the authority under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act of 1950, and related rules to implement such a significant revision. The court clarified that the SIR process is distinct from ordinary revisions and does not violate any statutory provisions. It highlighted that the SIR serves a constitutional purpose by enhancing the accuracy of electoral rolls and is not manifestly excessive. The ruling underscores the EC's role in maintaining electoral integrity and ensuring proportionality in its measures. The bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, had previously reserved its verdict on these petitions, including one from the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), on January 29.
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The ruling reinforces the Election Commission's authority in managing electoral processes, impacting the integrity of elections in Bihar and potentially across India.
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