New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raising concerns over the alleged large-scale deletion of voters’ names.
Several leaders from the INDIA bloc have also approached the court, seeking to protect voters’ rights. Those reportedly filing petitions include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Saugata Roy, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Supriya Sule, Sanjay Raut and D. Raja.
The office of the Chief Justice of India declined a request by Gandhi and Kharge for a meeting to discuss the issue, stating that an administrative meeting could not be held on a matter under judicial consideration. It said appropriate petitions could be filed to present their arguments.
The case concerning the SIR process is listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on October 13.
Meanwhile, restrictions on public movement, metro services and internet access during protests against SIR in Delhi have triggered a separate controversy. Reports indicate that the Supreme Court issued directions concerning the removal of barricades, restoration of internet services and ensuring unobstructed public movement.
Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that the fight to protect democracy and voting rights would continue.
Political attention is now focused on the upcoming hearing and the allegations surrounding electoral roll revision.
