SIR is unconstitutional: CPI M moves Supreme Court

New Delhi: The CPI M has approached the Supreme Court stating that the intensive revision of the electoral roll in Kerala is unconstitutional. Rushing to implement SIR with the intention of excluding lakhs of voters will undermine the right to vote, which is the foundation of democracy. In the writ petition filed by state secretary M V Govindan, it is pointed out that the decision to implement SIR during the local body election phase is impractical.

The SIR process during local election procedures has put officials under severe pressure, creating a situation of administrative paralysis. The tragic incident of a BLO taking his own life due to work pressure is also highlighted. The Election Commission’s order directing BLOs to complete enumeration before December 4 should be stayed. The current SIR timeline will affect free and fair elections and may lead to eligible voters being removed from the rolls.

It is also stated that no reason has been provided for conducting SIR nationwide when the electoral roll is already updated periodically. The Representation of the People Act requires that reasons be clearly stated if a special revision is to be undertaken. Therefore, the Commission’s order to conduct SIR in Kerala cannot stand. By demanding proof of citizenship, the Commission is challenging the Constitution despite having no authority to do so.

If the Court considers SIR appropriate, it should be conducted only after the local body and assembly elections, in a manner that does not inconvenience the public, the petition filed through advocate G Prakash requests.

Meanwhile, senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned before Chief Justice B R Gavai the state government’s plea seeking an extension of the SIR deadline. The Chief Justice assured that all petitions will be heard on Friday.