Civil Society Coalition Alleges Mass Disenfranchisement, Demands Halt to Electoral Roll Revision Exercise, Questions ECI’s Credibility
Allegations of Exclusion and Bias Surface Across States
A coalition of over 300 civil society leaders and public figures has called for an immediate halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging large-scale disenfranchisement and systemic flaws in the process. In a joint statement, signatories from states where SIR has been implemented—and those slated for its next phase—claimed the exercise has “undermined democratic principles” and eroded trust in the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The group asserted that the ECI, constitutionally mandated under Article 324 to ensure free and fair elections, has “lost all credibility” and acted in a “partisan manner.” It also expressed “deep disappointment” with the Supreme Court, stating that it has yet to effectively safeguard citizens’ constitutional voting rights amid ongoing challenges to the SIR’s legality.
‘Flawed and Exclusionary Process’
The statement alleged that nearly six crore eligible voters have been excluded from electoral rolls across 10 states and three Union Territories where SIR has been conducted. It cited West Bengal as a key example, claiming around 35 lakh voters were denied verification despite seeking adjudication, resulting in loss of franchise “through no fault of their own.”
Describing the process as “exclusionary, non-transparent and unscientific,” the coalition argued that SIR disproportionately affects minorities, Adivasis, Dalits, migrant workers, and other marginalised groups, with women facing heightened impact. “This severely assaults the principle of universal adult franchise embedded in our Constitution,” the statement said.
The group also pointed to cases where prominent individuals—including Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, former Navy Chief Admiral Arun Prakash (retd), cricketer Mohammed Shami, and poet Joy Goswami—were reportedly issued notices or removed from rolls, despite possessing valid documentation. “Such instances only demonstrate the deeply flawed nature of the SIR process,” it added.
Demand for Review and Judicial Clarity
Calling for immediate intervention, the coalition demanded that the SIR be halted pending a comprehensive review and the conclusion of hearings in the Supreme Court on its constitutional validity. “No legitimate election process can proceed without the inclusion of all rightful voters,” the statement emphasised.
It further proposed that, if continued, the revision exercise must follow clearly defined rules with strict audit and verification standards aligned with those of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The group also urged retrospective scrutiny in states where SIR has been completed to ensure reinstatement of all eligible voters.
Among structural reforms, the coalition advocated for a “common voters list” from the Gram Sabha to the Lok Sabha level, arguing that locally verified rolls would enhance transparency and prevent wrongful exclusions.
Sharp Criticism of ECI, Call for Institutional Overhaul
In one of its strongest assertions, the statement alleged that the ECI is “not an impartial institution” but one “politically aligned with the ruling dispensation.” It demanded the reconstitution of the poll body through a transparent mechanism under parliamentary oversight.
The group also warned against “possible manipulation” in upcoming elections in states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, citing concerns arising from the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. “As the primary and sovereign stakeholders, we strongly condemn ECI’s actions,” the statement read, adding that continued disregard for constitutional norms could trigger “an all-out democratic struggle.”
Broad-Based Support from Public Figures
The statement has been endorsed by a wide spectrum of prominent personalities, including former Supreme Court judge Justice B. Sudarshan Reddy, ex-IAS officer M.G. Devasahayam, political economist Parakala Prabhakar, actor Prakash Raj, Gandhian Tushar Gandhi, activist Yogendra Yadav, and writer Teesta Setalvad, among others.
Framing the issue as a critical test of India’s democratic integrity, the coalition reiterated its call for transparency, accountability, and restoration of voting rights. “The integrity of the electoral process must be preserved at all costs,” it said.
