Today marks a crucial day in the country's political landscape as the Supreme Court takes up petitions challenging the working methods of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with concerns regarding electoral irregularities and the SIR process. The apex court has decided to combine all related matters for a joint hearing, admitting a total of 11 petitions that question the current electoral management.
Rahul Gandhi and Other Opposition Leaders Lead the Plea
The legal challenge features several prominent political figures as petitioners. Alongside Rahul Gandhi, the list includes Mallikarjun Kharge, Saugata Roy, Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Sanjay Raut, M.A. Baby, D. Raja, Mahua Maji, Supriya Sule, and E.T. Mohammed Basheer. These leaders have named Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as well as Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi as respondents in the matter.
Election Commission Files a Strong Affidavit Before the Hearing
Just ahead of the scheduled court proceedings, the Election Commission submitted a firm affidavit responding to the challenges. In its submission, the poll panel maintained that the questions raised by the Congress and other petitioners regarding the decisions linked to the SIR process are built entirely on media reports rather than concrete ground facts.
Decisions Taken Jointly by All Three Commissioners
The affidavit asserts that every decision taken by the commission had the collective backing of all three election commissioners, ensuring that no unilateral action was taken. The panel further clarified that no modifications have been made to Form 6, and any addition or deletion of a voter's name strictly requires the formal approval of the Electoral Registration Officer.
BLO Verification and Political Reactions
Addressing procedural concerns, the poll body stated in court that unmapped voters are not required to be summoned personally for hearings, as Booth Level Officers will visit homes to collect the necessary documentation. This affidavit has significantly blunted the ongoing campaign led by opposition parties against the poll authority and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with the opposition now dismissing the submission as an affidavit influenced by central government pressure.
