Supreme Court Issues Notice on Petition Against ECI's Electoral Roll Revision

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice in response to a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi, along with nine other leaders from the INDIA Bloc, contesting the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This development occurred on October 15, 2026, during a session led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who also indicated that one of the petitioners would need to explain their conduct in relation to the case.

The petition was filed following a significant protest led by Gandhi and other opposition leaders on October 12, where they marched towards the Supreme Court to voice their concerns about the SIR process. The protest attracted a large crowd at the court premises, and although the leaders intended to file the petition in person, it was ultimately submitted through their legal representatives due to time constraints. This incident has highlighted the ongoing tensions between the opposition and the ECI regarding the electoral roll revision process.

In addition to Gandhi's petition, the Supreme Court has also acknowledged a plea from AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who is challenging the ECI's decisions related to the SIR. Owaisi's advocate has requested the court to produce the ECI's decision-making records regarding the SIR before the next hearing. The court has agreed to issue notices on all related prayers, emphasizing the need for transparency in the electoral process.

Gandhi's petition seeks to ensure that the SIR process adheres to constitutional provisions and electoral laws. Key demands include the production of the complete file related to the ECI's decision to initiate the SIR, a review of compliance with relevant legal standards, and a call for a committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge to audit the SIR deletions. The petition also calls for the suspension of the SIR exercise across all states until the matter is resolved.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear similar cases regarding the SIR process, the opposition leaders remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure electoral integrity. The Chief Justice has previously declined a request from Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for a meeting to discuss their concerns, stating that the issues are already under judicial consideration. The upcoming hearings are expected to address the various petitions and the implications for the electoral process in India.