Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have filed a petition in the Supreme Court, along with nine other Opposition leaders, shortly before the court’s filing counter was due to close. The petition is reportedly filed over alleged irregularities in SIR electoral rolls.
The petition was filed online by advocate S Prasanna on behalf of Rahul Gandhi and the other petitioners, according to the reports.
A total of 11 petitioners have been named in the plea, with Rahul Gandhi listed as the lead petitioner. The other petitioners include Mallikarjun Kharge, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI leader D Raja, Mahua Maji, Supriya Sule, E T Mohammed Basheer, Saugata Roy, Akhilesh Yadav, Sanjay Raut and M A Baby.
The petition was submitted just before the Supreme Court’s filing counter was scheduled to close, sources said. The filing comes after Rahul Gandhi and Kharge sought an appointment with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in different states.
The CJI’s office earlier today declined their request and reportedly stated that the matter was already sub judice. The had informed Congress leaders that they were free to approach the court through judicial means’.
Before the petition in Supreme Court, Rahul Gandhi wanted to submit a memorandum regarding Election Commission, student arrests and restrictions imposed in Delhi amid protests. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear matters relating to the SIR exercise on Tuesday.
As controversy rages over alleged SIR irregularities, the Opposition has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of revision exercise and a return to ballot-paper voting.
The Opposition has maintained that SIR exercise should not result in eligible voters being excluded. However, the Election Commission of India argues that electoral roll revision is part of its responsibility to ensure accurate voter lists and it will ensure that no eleigible voter is struck out of the rolls.
Nakshab Khan is a senior journalist with nearly two decades of experience in Indian media. Beginning his career in 2007, he has worked with leading news organisations, including Times Now, News18, TV9 Network, IANS, Zee Media, UNI TV. He is currently associated with NewsX Digital as a Deputy Editor.
Over the years, Nakshab has extensively covered politics, international affairs, crime, and public policy. He has special interest in global affairs, with a strong focus on West Asian affairs. He can be reached at nakshab.ali@gmail.com.
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