Supreme Court Requests Election Commission's Input on Voter Deletion Allegations
The Supreme Court has called for a response from the Election Commission regarding a plea from Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders concerning alleged voter deletions.
The Supreme Court is examining a plea related to voter deletions and SIR irregularities.
Prominent opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, are involved in the case filed on October 12.
The court has issued notices to various parties, including the Election Commission and Delhi Police.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India requested a response from the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding a plea submitted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and twelve other opposition figures. The plea raises concerns over alleged widespread voter deletions and irregularities associated with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This case, designated as W.P.(C) No. 001351/2026, was filed on October 12 and officially registered the following day after correcting initial procedural issues.
The Supreme Court is currently addressing multiple petitions linked to the SIR process, protests in Delhi, and reported assaults on journalists and lawyers. During the proceedings, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized that all voices would be heard, responding to claims that the opposition's march to the court was an attempt to intimidate the judiciary. The court acknowledged the conduct of one of the petitioners without naming them, indicating that it is aware of the statements made outside the courtroom.
The protests, which have been described as a 'March for Democracy,' saw opposition leaders, activists, and civil society members rallying against the alleged 'vote theft.' The Supreme Court has issued notices to key figures, including Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and other leaders regarding their participation in the October 12 march. Additionally, the court is addressing a plea from AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, challenging the SIR based on reports of discord among election commissioners.
The court also sought responses from the central government and Delhi Police concerning a separate plea that contests the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. This follows an order from Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar that designated alternative venues for protests, effectively removing Jantar Mantar from its status as a protest site.
In a related matter, the Supreme Court is considering a case involving a journalist who has alleged molestation by a senior police officer. The bench has instructed the police not to take any coercive measures against her while also addressing claims made by another journalist regarding an incident involving Rahul Gandhi during the protests. The court reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard, regardless of the number of petitioners involved.
