The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a series of petitions on Thursday, October 15, concerning the anti-Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) protests in Delhi, alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and restrictions imposed on public movement during the demonstrations.
The matters include a joint petition filed by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders, who have challenged alleged large-scale voter deletions and sought greater transparency in the Election Commission's revision of electoral rolls. The petitions will be heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc seek independent audit of SIR
Rahul Gandhi and several Opposition leaders have approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent audit of deletions and modifications made during the SIR exercise. The petition calls for a committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with the assistance of technical experts and other eminent individuals, to examine the process within a fixed timeframe.
The petitioners have also sought an interim suspension of the ongoing revision exercise and safeguards to prevent eligible voters from being removed from electoral rolls without notice or an opportunity to be heard.
Among their other demands are the publication of booth-wise voter deletion lists, explanations for deletions, and age- and gender-wise data. They have also sought access to Election Commission records, including files, minutes, objections and digital access logs linked to disputed decisions.
The Opposition has alleged that the revision process could disenfranchise eligible voters and questioned the transparency of the Election Commission's actions. The Election Commission, however, has denied allegations of political bias and maintained that the revision is intended to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls.
Pleas over police action, metro closures also before Supreme Court
Apart from the SIR-related petition, the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider separate pleas concerning the October 10 anti-CEC protests in Delhi. These include allegations of unlawful detention, police excesses and restrictions on movement, as well as the closure of metro stations and disruption of train services.
The petitions follow the court's earlier directions against a complete shutdown of Delhi Metro services or a blanket blockade of roads. The court had also emphasised that peaceful movement and the professional work of lawyers and journalists should not be unlawfully obstructed.
The protests have intensified amid demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders have accused the authorities of using excessive force against demonstrators, including students and women. The allegations and the circumstances surrounding the police action are among the issues drawing judicial scrutiny.
Delhi Police has also registered cases in connection with the INDIA bloc's march towards the Supreme Court on October 12, citing allegations that the demonstration was held without permission and that barricades were damaged.
INDIA bloc's march and demand for CEC's resignation
On October 12, Rahul Gandhi led Opposition leaders and supporters in a march towards the Supreme Court to protest against the SIR exercise and demand action against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The demonstration brought together several prominent Opposition figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. The leaders submitted a joint petition raising concerns about voter deletions and seeking safeguards for the electoral process.
The INDIA bloc has maintained that its campaign is aimed at protecting democratic institutions and ensuring that eligible citizens are not excluded from electoral rolls. The BJP and the Election Commission have rejected allegations of deliberate manipulation.
CJP plans another gathering amid ongoing protests
Meanwhile, the protest movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has continued to draw attention. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for a 'Lehra Do Tiranga' gathering at Central Park in Connaught Place, Delhi, on October 16.
The development comes as CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka remain in judicial custody following their protest-related arrests. The proposed gathering could add another dimension to the ongoing confrontation over the Election Commission and the SIR exercise.
The Supreme Court's proceedings on Thursday are expected to be significant for both the legal challenge to the voter-roll revision process and the petitions concerning the handling of protests in the national capital.
