NEW DELHI, OCT 15: The Supreme Court issued formal notices to the Election Commission of India and top poll officials regarding a petition filed by senior opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. The joint plea alleges widespread procedural irregularities and the deletion of approximately 13 crore voters during the nationwide Special Intensive Revision exercise, seeking an immediate suspension of the ongoing process.
Hearing the matter, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the tagging of the fresh petition alongside earlier pending matters challenging the electoral roll updates.
The court noted that while notices are being served to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, acceptance of the petition does not indicate any final judicial endorsement of the allegations.
During the proceedings, the bench observed that the conduct of one of the co-petitioners will be scrutinized separately in subsequent hearings. The Chief Justice stated that issuing notice on behalf of the individual remains strictly provisional, maintaining that explanation regarding specific conduct would be entertained on the next scheduled date. Legal representatives appearing for the petitioners emphasized the need for urgent judicial intervention to safeguard democratic participation and address systemic concerns.
