EC tells SC it has complete discretion over policy of electoral roll revision, Pg 7.

Key Highlights:

• The Election Commission (EC) informed the Supreme Court that it has complete discretion over the policy of electoral roll revision.
• The EC stated that directing it to hold Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls at regular intervals would encroach on its jurisdiction.
• The EC's statement was in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to conduct SIR at regular intervals nationwide.
• The EC has decided to conduct SIR in different states as per the SIR Order dated 24.06.2025, with schedules to be issued separately.
• The EC directed initiation of pre-revision activities for SIR of electoral rolls with reference to 01.01.2026 as the qualifying date.

Detailed Insights:

• Article 324 of the Constitution of India vests the superintendence, direction, and control of electoral roll preparation and elections in the Election Commission of India.
• The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 empower the ECI to decide on intensive or summary revision based on circumstances.
• Section 21 of the Representation of People Act (RPA), 1950, grants the EC discretion regarding the timing of electoral roll revisions before elections or bye-elections.
• Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 governs the exercise of revision and the manner in which it is to be conducted, leaving the decision to the ECI.
• The EC is responsible for maintaining the purity and integrity of electoral rolls and has directed states and UTs to initiate pre-revision activities for SIR.
• The EC convened a conference of all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of states and Union Territories at New Delhi on September 10, 2025, to coordinate preparatory measures for conducting the SIR.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Electoral Roll: A list of persons eligible to vote in an election.
• Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A comprehensive review and update of the electoral roll.
• Article 324: Constitutional provision vesting powers related to elections in the Election Commission.