INDIA Bloc Challenges Electoral Roll Revisions
Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, along with other leaders of the INDIA bloc, filed a joint writ petition before the Supreme Court on October 13, 2026. The petition challenges the legitimacy of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleges that the Chief Election Commissioner exercised the Commission’s collective powers without the knowledge, approval, or concurrence of the other two Election Commissioners.
The plea cites an absence of a recorded decision authorizing the nationwide SIR and claims there was an unlawful modification of statutory Form 6 without amending applicable Rules. The petitioners seek a direction for the Election Commission to place complete files, agendas, minutes, notings, and objections on record regarding disputed SIR decisions.
Additionally, the petition seeks the constitution of an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court Judge, assisted by technical experts and citizens, to audit the process. The petitioners stated that they do not seek to prejudge competing positions or reopen the question of the validity of the SIR as such, but rather examine whether decisions were taken in accordance with the Constitution and governing statute.
Disputes Over Internal Commission Dynamics
The legal challenge draws attention to internal disagreements within the Election Commission. The petition references an Indian Express investigative report from September 23, 2026, stating that two Election Commissioners recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over ten months. This detail underscores the petitioners' argument regarding the lack of consensus in the decision-making process.
In response to such allegations, the Commission has stated that the reports present only one part of the picture. It emphasized that differences of opinion are normal within the body and asserted that its decisions were unanimous. The Supreme Court previously addressed the scope of the Commission's authority in a May 27 judgment in Association for Democratic Reforms vs Election Commission of India, where it stated that the EC had the power to conduct the SIR process.
Specific Concerns Regarding Punjab
The petition highlights specific data anomalies in Punjab as part of its broader argument. It states that a draft electoral roll published on August 13, 2026, reportedly reflected a reduction of approximately 20.66 lakh names from an electorate of about 2.14 crore recorded in June 2026. The final electoral roll for Punjab was scheduled for publication on October 12, 2026.
These figures are cited by the petitioners to illustrate the scale and potential irregularity of the revision process. By pointing to such significant reductions in voter counts, the INDIA bloc leaders aim to demonstrate that the SIR may have been executed without proper procedural safeguards or collective agreement among the commissioners.