33% Voters Deleted? SC Questions ECI Over Maharashtra Voter Roll Purge
The Supreme Court has asked the ECI to respond to allegations that 33% of voters were deleted from Maharashtra's rolls during a special revision.
The Supreme Court of India has stepped in to examine serious allegations regarding the Maharashtra voter roll deletion process. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking a formal response to a plea claiming that a staggering 33% of voters have been removed from the electoral rolls during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state.
The Core of the Controversy
The legal challenge was brought forward by petitioner Arun Anandagiri. Representing the petitioner, Senior Advocate Arvind Datar highlighted a critical systemic issue affecting thousands of citizens. He pointed out that in major urban hubs like Mumbai and Pune, approximately 3,500 redevelopment projects are currently active.
According to Datar, as old housing colonies are demolished and residents are relocated, many voters are facing the risk of having their names deleted due to missing addresses or outdated residential details. This urban shift, he argued, is contributing to the mass removal of legitimate voters from the rolls.
The Dispute Over 'Form 6'
Beyond the deletions, the petitioner has raised concerns over the administrative process the ECI is employing. Senior Advocate Datar argued that the Commission is incorrectly asking existing voters to fill out Form 6 to maintain their enrollment.
"Asking existing voters to fill Form 6 is incorrect; Form 6 is meant for registration of new voters, not for voters who are already enrolled," Datar submitted to the court.
The petitioner is seeking a direction from the court for the ECI to introduce a fresh, appropriate form specifically for those who were already present in the voter lists during previous elections.
Court's Stance on Deadlines
In an urgent request, the petitioner asked the Supreme Court to extend the deadline for filing claims and objections—which expired on the day of the hearing—and to stay the finalization of the voter list until the matter is fully heard.
While the Court refused to grant an immediate extension, CJI Surya Kant provided a measure of reassurance to the petitioner, acknowledging his role as a whistleblower. The CJI stated that the court could always extend the date later if it becomes evident that eligible citizens were unable to file their documents, noting that dates had been extended in previous SIR matters.
Current Timeline of the Revision
The Election Commission of India had previously adjusted the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision in Maharashtra. Key dates currently include:
- Claims and Objections: The deadline was previously extended from September 30 to October 12.
- Disposal of Claims: The period for the ECI to dispose of claims and objections continues until November 10.
- Final Publication: While originally slated for November 4, the final roll is now scheduled to be published on November 12. (Note: The source mentions a final publication of the full roll scheduled for November 16, 2026).
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case further on November 5, where the ECI's response to the alleged mass deletions will be scrutinized.