Electoral Roll Revision: Supreme Court Intervenes to Uphold Transparency and Voter Rights
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity & Governance (Election Commission of India - ECI, powers under Article 324; Electoral Rolls and the Representation of the People Act, 1950; Constitutional Rights like Right to Vote - Art 326; Aadhaar).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies (ECI); Salient features of the Representation of the People’s Act; Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability; Role of Judiciary.
Key Highlights from the News
Main Event: The Supreme Court issued a crucial interim order concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar.
Court's Directives:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) was asked to publish a list of 65 lakh voters who were excluded from the draft voter list, along with clear reasons for each exclusion.
This list must be displayed on websites and notice boards of Panchayat/Block offices.
The court also clarified that those excluded from the list can file complaints using Aadhaar.
Court's Observations:
In a democracy, voters have the right to know.
High transparency is required in the electoral process.
The principles of natural justice must be adhered to, meaning a decision detrimental to an individual should not be made without hearing them.
Voters should not have to depend on Booth Level Officers or political agents to know their status.
Legal Background:
Petitioners argue that the mass deletion of existing electors without clear reasons and without hearing them is against the Representation of the People Act and the Supreme Court's previous verdict (Lal Babu Hussein case).
COMMENTS