Supreme Court Questions EC Over Voter Roll Deletions and Citizenship Verification Powers
The Supreme Court questioned the Election Commission (EC) regarding the authority of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to strike individuals off electoral rolls based on citizenship inquiries. During a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, nearly 6.5 crore names were deleted. The Court raised concerns whether an ERO's finding could trigger a central government investigation into an individual's right to remain in India. The EC argued that citizenship is a cornerstone of the electoral process and that excluded individuals have a right to appeal, maintaining that verifying citizenship is essential for maintaining valid electoral rolls.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court is examining if EROs can effectively strip the 'colour of citizenship' before a final central government decision.
- Article 326 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 are central to the EC's claim of authority for these deletions.
- Nearly 6.5 crore names were deleted in the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process across several states.
- The EC maintains that citizenship and delimitations are the cornerstones of the electoral process and essential for inclusion.
Exam Facts
- Article 326 (the right of adult Indian citizens to vote)
- Registration of Electors Rules of 1960
- 6.5 crore names deleted in the SIR process
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