Election Commission faces scrutiny over electoral roll manipulation and appointment process
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is under fire due to allegations of massive electoral roll manipulations, particularly in Karnataka and Bihar, where a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) led to a significant drop in voter numbers. The Opposition also criticized the new law for appointing Election Commissioners, arguing it reduces dissent by giving the government a 2:1 majority in the selection committee. The Supreme Court intervened, directing the EC to publish detailed lists of deleted voters with reasons and accept Aadhaar as proof of identity. Concerns persist regarding migrant voters' ability to vote and the lack of machine-readable voter rolls, raising questions about the EC's impartiality and the integrity of the electoral process.
Key Points
- The Election Commission of India faces allegations of electoral roll manipulations, notably in Mahadevapura (Karnataka) and during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar.
- The new law for appointing Election Commissioners is controversial, with critics arguing it compromises the EC's independence by ensuring a government majority in the selection committee.
- The Supreme Court directed the EC to provide detailed, booth-wise lists of deleted voters with specific reasons and accept Aadhaar as proof of identity.
- The EC's refusal to provide machine-readable voter rolls, citing cyber-security concerns, remains a point of contention.
- The issues highlight challenges for migrant voters and underscore the need for transparent and accessible electoral processes to maintain public trust.
Exam Facts
- The EC's mandate is derived from Article 324 of the Constitution, covering superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
- The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, governs EC appointments.
- The selection committee for ECs comprises the Prime Minister, a Union Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition.
- The Supreme Court issued an interim order on August 14 regarding the Bihar SIR process.
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