The ruling comes after political parties and various petitioners raised objections concerning the timing, procedural framework, and potential impact of the Special Intensive Revision conducted in states including Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. The petitioners argued that the exercise placed an unfair burden on voters by requiring them to prove their citizenship and eligibility, raising concerns over possible exclusion from electoral rolls. They also contended that the timing of the revision was inappropriate, as it was carried out close to forthcoming state elections.
The Supreme Court, however, dismissed these arguments and held that the Special Intensive Revision cannot be regarded as unconstitutional. The Court observed that reliance on existing electoral records, including earlier voter lists such as those prepared in 2003, constitutes a legitimate administrative practice. It further clarified that if a voter or their family members had already been included in previous electoral rolls, such historical records could be validly used for verification purposes without imposing an excessive burden on citizens.
The Court also upheld the authority of the Election Commission of India to remove or modify names from electoral rolls based on documentary verification, stating that such actions are neither arbitrary nor unlawful when carried out in accordance with established rules and procedures. Allegations regarding large-scale deletion of voter names were also examined, with the Court noting that the process adhered to regulatory norms governing electoral roll management.
In its final observations, the judgment reaffirmed the constitutional and legal framework under which the Election Commission operates, reinforcing its mandate to conduct systematic voter roll revisions. The decision is viewed as a significant affirmation of the integrity and authority of the electoral verification process implemented across multiple states.
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