A Major Step to Review the Electoral Roll Revision
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign of voter lists conducted by the Election Commission has stirred significant legal and political debates across the country. In a major development, a five-member independent inquiry committee comprising former Supreme Court and High Court judges has been formed to review the constitutional validity and methodology of this entire process. Headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur, the committee was established by the Lawyers Association for Constitution (LAFC).
The panel will examine whether the Election Commission's procedure adhered to constitutional bounds and existing laws, and whether eligible voters were unfairly dropped from electoral rolls during the exercise. Legal experts believe that independent oversight on administrative electoral procedures strengthens public trust in democratic institutions.
Distinguished Jurists Lead the Independent Panel
The high-powered committee brings together some of the most experienced legal minds in the country. Alongside Justice Lokur, the panel includes former Supreme Court judge Justice A.K. Patnaik, former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Badar Durrez Ahmed, former Delhi High Court judge Justice Rekha Sharma, and former Patna High Court judge Justice Anjana Prakash.
Prominent senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal, Prashant Bhushan, and Vrinda Grover, have extended voluntary support to assist the committee in its comprehensive examination of legal notifications, verification procedures, and constitutional safeguards.
Concerns Over Alleged Deletions of Millions of Voters
According to the LAFC, approximately 13 million voters have reportedly been dropped from draft electoral rolls nationwide during this special intensive revision campaign. This massive figure has raised serious concerns among citizens and civil society organizations regarding universal adult suffrage and the transparency of the electoral machinery.
While the poll panel maintains that the revision aims to weed out duplicate and erroneous entries, grassroots reports of legitimate citizens missing from lists have triggered widespread debates.
Public Hearings and Data Analysis Planned
The committee will adopt a thorough and transparent approach by conducting public hearings through regional and full benches across the country. A dedicated research wing will collect and analyze data related to additions and deletions in voter lists to assess the overall impact on eligible citizens.
The panel is scheduled to make its final comprehensive report public by December 2026, offering crucial insights and recommendations for future electoral governance in India.
