The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI) in response to a petition filed by a coalition of Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. This petition challenges the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raises concerns about alleged voter deletions. The court has requested responses from the ECI, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.

On October 12, Rahul Gandhi, serving as the Leader of the Opposition, along with other leaders from the INDIA coalition, lodged the petition. Key figures in this legal challenge include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Nationalist Congress Party (Shiv Sena) leader Supriya Sule, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

The petition, registered as W.P.(C) No. 001351/2026, was initially filed on October 12 and officially registered on October 13 after addressing procedural issues. The case has garnered significant attention due to its implications for the electoral process in India.

Concerns Raised About ECI’s Conduct

The Supreme Court has expressed strong objections regarding the conduct of one of the petitioners involved in the case, indicating that the court would like to address this matter in the next hearing. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) remarked on the need to question the behaviour of this specific petitioner, highlighting the court’s commitment to maintaining decorum and integrity in legal proceedings.

This scrutiny reflects the court’s broader concern about the manner in which the ECI is executing the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The court’s remarks suggest a desire to ensure that all petitioners adhere to appropriate conduct while addressing significant electoral issues.

The ongoing case underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process, particularly in light of the allegations made by the Opposition leaders regarding voter deletions. The petition raises critical questions about the procedures followed by the ECI in revising the electoral rolls and the potential impact on voters’ rights.

Objectives of the Petition

The petition seeks a judicial review to determine whether the decisions made by the ECI were in accordance with Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, the laws governing the Election Commission, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in the landmark case of T.N. Seshan vs Union of India. This legal examination aims to clarify the boundaries of the ECI’s authority in managing electoral rolls.

Among the reliefs sought by the petitioners, there is a demand for the court to ensure that no elector is removed from the rolls without prior notice and an opportunity to be heard. This request highlights the petitioners’ concerns about the potential disenfranchisement of voters and the need for due process in electoral matters.

Additionally, the petition calls for the publication of details regarding deleted electors, including reasons for their removal and demographic information, on a booth-wise basis. This transparency is viewed as essential for maintaining public trust in the electoral process and ensuring accountability from the ECI.

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