New Delhi: A petition filed by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and 12 other political leaders against the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists is likely to be heard by the Supreme Court on October 26.
The legal challenge, which questions the functioning of the poll panel and the integrity of the electoral roll revision, was formally registered after rectifying earlier technical defects. According to Supreme Court registry sources, the plea was initially filed on October 12 by Gandhi and 11 other opposition figures. However, it faced administrative objections concerning incomplete documents, identity card discrepancies, and court fee shortages.
With these procedural hurdles cleared, a writ petition number has been assigned, paving the way for judicial proceedings. The list of petitioners has also expanded to 13, with the recent inclusion of leaders like T. Thirumavalavan and S.A. Kichloo. While October 26 has emerged as the likely date for the hearing, it remains tentative pending confirmation from the apex court’s official cause list.
The core of the opposition’s grievance centers on the Election Commission’s decision-making framework and the Special Intensive Revision process. The petitioners have alleged in their plea that the Chief Election Commissioner has unilaterally exercised the collective administrative powers of the multi-member commission. The petition seeks the top court’s intervention for an independent investigation into these administrative decisions and alleged anomalies in the preparation of voter lists.
Opposition parties have repeatedly argued that the procedures for adding, deleting, and modifying names on the electoral rolls must remain entirely transparent. The petition highlights serious apprehensions regarding the unjustified removal of eligible voters from the lists and demands strict oversight mechanisms to prevent disenfranchisement.
Prior to approaching the judiciary, several opposition leaders had also staged a protest march to amplify their demands, reflecting the opposition’s deepening concerns over electoral transparency and the autonomous functioning of the Election Commission.