SC Asks EC to Consider Extending Time for Electoral Roll Revision

A two-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was informed by senior advocate Kapil Sibal that nearly 25 lakh names had been deleted from the electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh alone. He pointed out instances where the name of a husband appeared on the rolls while that of the wife was missing, and noted that the deadline for the SIR was nearing.

Opposing the submissions, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission, argued that such matters should be left to the discretion of the poll panel. He also submitted that the deadline for the exercise had already been extended.

Another lawyer questioned the urgency of the revision, noting that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are due only in 2027, and argued that the EC was not providing sufficient time for the process.

Taking note of the submissions, the apex court asked the Election Commission to take a “sympathetic” view while considering any representations seeking an extension of time, keeping ground realities in mind.

The Bench deferred the final hearing on a batch of pleas challenging the SIR of electoral rolls in various States to January 6. On the next date of hearing, Dwivedi is expected to begin his final arguments on behalf of the Election Commission.