Letter Against Spirit: The Election Commission’s Mandate to Ensure Universal Enfranchisement
This editorial criticizes the Election Commission of India (ECI) for its "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls, which has led to the removal of millions of names. While the ECI claims a constitutional duty to exclude foreigners, the author argues this focus is causing harassment to genuine Indian citizens. Under Article 324, the ECI has independent control over electoral rolls, but this power must be used to ensure no Indian is disenfranchised. The editorial suggests that the ECI's current priorities may undermine its institutional integrity and the spirit of the Constitution by prioritizing exclusion over enrollment.
Key Points
- Article 324 of the Constitution grants the ECI the power of superintendence, direction, and control of elections, including electoral rolls.
- The ECI is conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to remove non-citizens from the voter list, leading to the striking off of millions of names.
- Critics argue that the burden of proof placed on ordinary citizens to prove their identity is excessive and leads to disenfranchisement.
- The primary duty of the ECI should be the enrollment of every eligible Indian citizen rather than just the exclusion of foreigners.
Exam Facts
- Article 324 of the Indian Constitution
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- ECI argued its case before the Supreme Court on January 6
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