Bombay High Court to Review Petition on Electoral Roll Transparency
The Bombay High Court is set to hear a petition on October 5 concerning transparency in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Maharashtra.
The petition raises concerns about potential deletion of 2.1 crore names from electoral rolls.
Petitioners seek transparency regarding the SIR process and safeguards for eligible voters.
Allegations include improper document requests by Booth-Level Officers during enumeration.
On September 28, 2026, the Bombay High Court agreed to hear a petition addressing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maharashtra. Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna scheduled the hearing for October 5, focusing on the implications of this electoral process.
The petitioners argue that the SIR could lead to the removal of approximately 2.1 crore names from the electoral rolls, raising significant concerns about citizens' rights. Their legal representatives emphasized the need for clarity regarding the orders issued for the SIR, the rationale behind it, and the legal framework supporting the methodology used.
In addition to seeking transparency, the petition calls for measures to protect eligible voters from being excluded and to restore any names that may be wrongfully deleted. It highlights that Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) have been requesting documentation from citizens during the enumeration process, despite the Election Commission's guidelines explicitly prohibiting such practices.
The petition further asserts that while the Election Commission has the authority to assess electoral matters, it lacks the jurisdiction to determine citizenship status. Any uncertainties regarding citizenship should be directed to the appropriate authority under the Citizenship Act of 1955, with electoral implications contingent upon that authority's findings.
As the hearing date approaches, the outcome may significantly impact the electoral landscape in Maharashtra, particularly concerning the integrity of the electoral rolls and the rights of voters. Observers are keenly awaiting the court's decision, which could set important precedents for future electoral processes in the state.
