Supreme Court upholds Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls as EC's constitutional duty
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, stating it breathes life into the Election Commission's mandate under Article 324 to conduct and supervise elections. The court found "cogent justifications" for the SIR, citing the long period since the last revision, large-scale additions/deletions, rapid urbanization, and migration, which could lead to repeated or defective entries. It clarified that SIR does not supplant existing laws like the Representation of the People Act but rather complements them. The court also directed that individuals whose names were wrongly deleted could challenge the EC's decision in court.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional validity of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- SIR is deemed essential for maintaining accurate electoral rolls due to demographic changes over time.
- The court emphasized that SIR is an exercise of the Election Commission's constitutional power under Article 324.
- Safeguards are in place for individuals to challenge wrongful deletions.
Exam Facts
- Constitutional Article: Article 324 (EC's power to conduct and supervise elections).
- Relevant Acts: Representation of the People Act (RP Act), Registration of Electors Rules of 1960.
- SIR in Bihar: Final electoral roll had 7.42 crore electors, down from 7.89 crore.
- SIR's second phase covered 51 crore voters in 12 States and UTs.
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