Supreme Court strict on SIR! Election Commission cannot decide citizenship, next hearing on 25th August

Supreme Court SIR Hearing: While hearing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy in West Bengal on Friday, the Supreme Court made it clear that it is not the constitutional right of the Election Commission (ECI) to decide the citizenship of a person. The court said that the authority of the Election Commission is limited only to the control, supervision and revision of the voter list.

Citizenship does not expire

During the hearing, the Supreme Court said that if a person’s name is not included in the voter list or is removed, it does not automatically terminate his citizenship.

The court also made it clear that if a question related to citizenship arises following the action of any competent authority or tribunal, the Election Commission will have to refer the matter to the concerned ministry. The Election Commission cannot take the final decision on citizenship.

Next hearing will be on 25th August

This comment was made during the hearing on a PIL seeking to provide assembly constituency-wise information related to SIR in West Bengal. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear the petition and fixed the next hearing of the case for August 25.

Political controversy continues regarding SIR

Many petitions have already been filed in West Bengal regarding SIR. Some cases have been settled, while some are still under hearing. Political controversy on this issue is also intense in the state. The ruling party says the purpose of SIR is to make the voter list more transparent and pure. The opposition alleges that this process is being used for political gains.

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What is Special Intensive Revision?

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a special campaign run by the Election Commission, the objective of which is to make the voter list updated, error-free and authentic. Usually, the Election Commission conducts a brief revision of the electoral rolls every year, but when a need for a comprehensive scrutiny is felt in a state or region, a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is initiated.