Mumbai: Bombay high court hears a petition challenging 14 Election Commission decisions allegedly taken by CEC Gyanesh Kumar despite reported objections from two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
The petition raises concerns about electoral roll management, voter registration processes, and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). The case is expected to draw significant attention because it relates to electoral transparency and voter rights.
Details of ECI Row
A writ petition has been filed before the Bombay High Court seeking to quash 14 administrative orders and actions allegedly issued by the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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According to the petition, these decisions were reportedly taken despite objections raised by the other two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The petition argues that the disputed decisions concern important electoral matters, including:
- Voter registration procedures
- Electoral roll revision
- Electoral roll database management
- Functioning of Electoral Registration Officers
- Restoration and deletion of voter names
The petition claims that these actions raise concerns regarding statutory compliance and constitutional governance.
Why Are The 14 Orders Being Challenged
The plea relies on reports suggesting that Election Commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had objected to several decisions. According to the petition, the objections reportedly related to:
Changes In Form 6
Form 6 is used for new voter registration. The petition claims objections were raised regarding modifications made to the registration process.
Electoral Roll Database Management
The plea questions decisions involving the management and access structure of electoral databases. It alleges that access to the electoral-roll database became increasingly centralized.
Restoration Of Voter Names
The petition also challenges decisions related to restoring deleted voter names during electoral roll revision exercises. These issues form part of the broader challenge before the court.
ECI Row: Petition Alleges Lack Of Collective Decision-Making
According to the petition, some decisions were allegedly taken without the knowledge or approval of the two Election Commissioners. The plea argues that the Election Commission, as a multi-member constitutional body, should function through collective decision-making. The petition cites reported objections by the two commissioners and seeks judicial scrutiny of the decision-making process.
ECI Row: Concerns Raised About Electoral Roll Management
The petition states that the challenged actions affect the preparation, revision, and maintenance of electoral rolls. It argues that electoral rolls are a critical part of the democratic process because they determine voter eligibility.
According to the plea, any irregularities in the management of electoral rolls can directly affect citizens’ voting rights. The petition claims the disputed actions may have impacted transparency and accountability in electoral administration.
Maharashtra SIR Exercise Also Questioned
The case also references concerns related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Maharashtra. A separate petition before the Bombay High Court reportedly challenges the implementation and legal basis of the SIR exercise. However, that petition does not seek to stop the revision process. Instead, it seeks:
- Disclosure of the official order authorizing the SIR
- Transparency regarding methodology
- Clarification of the legal basis of the exercise
- Safeguards against wrongful deletion of voter names
- Restoration mechanisms for eligible voters
Recent judicial proceedings in other SIR-related matters have also highlighted concerns regarding transparency and voter notices.
What Relief Has The Petition Sought
The petition seeks several directions from the Bombay High Court.
Quashing Of 14 Orders
The primary request is to set aside the 14 challenged decisions.
Restoration Of Deleted Voters
The petition seeks restoration of voter names that may have been wrongly removed.
Independent Examination
The plea asks for the constitution of an independent judicial committee to examine the alleged irregularities.
Electoral Roll Compliance
The petition seeks measures to ensure that electoral rolls are prepared in accordance with constitutional and legal requirements.
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FAQs
The petition refers to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
The petition alleges that 14 decisions were taken despite objections reportedly raised by two Election Commissioners and seeks judicial review of those actions.
No. According to the reported petition, it seeks transparency, disclosure of the legal basis, and safeguards against wrongful deletion of eligible voters rather than stopping the process altogether.
