SC raps EC over SIR 'discrepancies', calls voting a sentimental right
The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission for excluding lakhs of voters from West Bengal's electoral roll due to "logical discrepancies" during a special intensive revision (SIR). The court emphasized that the right to vote is not only constitutional but also a "sentimental" expression of nationality and patriotism. It noted that 34 lakh appeals were filed against exclusions, with over a lakh pending before each of the 19 appellate tribunals, just days before the Assembly election. The EC had promised not to touch 2002 electoral rolls, but the "logical discrepancy" category, unique to West Bengal, violated this.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court criticized the Election Commission for excluding lakhs of voters in West Bengal through "logical discrepancies" during a special intensive revision (SIR).
- The court asserted that the right to vote is a constitutional and sentimental right, representing nationality and patriotism.
- The EC's introduction of "logical discrepancy" as a unique category for West Bengal violated its promise to leave 2002 electoral rolls untouched.
- Over 34 lakh appeals were filed against voter exclusions, with many still pending before the Assembly elections.
- The court stressed the need for a robust appellate process to protect voters' due process rights and ensure fair elections.
Exam Facts
- The case involved 34 lakh appeals by voters purged from the West Bengal electoral roll.
- The appeals were filed for hearing before 19 tribunals.
- The poll body locked in the electoral roll for West Bengal on April 9.
- Polling in West Bengal was scheduled for April 23 and 29.
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