Supreme Court Questions Election Commission on Voter Roll Deletions and Citizenship Verification Powers
The Supreme Court is examining whether Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can strike individuals off electoral rolls based on citizenship inquiries before a final decision by the Central government. The bench, including Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, questioned if an ERO's finding could trigger investigations into an individual's right to remain in India. The Election Commission argues that Article 326, the Representation of the People Act, and the Registration of Electors Rules 1960 empower them to conduct such inquiries to ensure only citizens are on the rolls. The court is concerned about the potential for these findings to lead to deportation without due process.
Key Points
- EROs are conducting inquisitorial enquiries into citizenship during Special Intensive Revisions (SIR).
- The Supreme Court is concerned that removing a voter's name based on citizenship doubts might strip them of rights before a final government decision.
- The Election Commission maintains that citizenship is a cornerstone of the electoral process and non-citizens are not entitled to vote.
- Nearly 6.5 crore names were reportedly deleted in the second phase of the SIR process across several states.
Exam Facts
- Article 326 (Right of adult Indian citizens to vote)
- Registration of Electors Rules 1960
- Representation of the People Act
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