The Election Commission of India (ECI) has submitted a comprehensive, nearly 250-page joint affidavit to the Supreme Court, firmly defending Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and dismissing claims of unilateral governance.
Responding to petitions from opposition figures and activists seeking the CEC’s suspension over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls, the poll panel clarified that all three SIR directives were unanimous collective decisions. The Commission declared that preventing the CEC from executing his duties would be unconstitutional, as a CEC can only be removed via the same rigorous parliamentary impeachment process applicable to a Supreme Court judge. The submission also clarified technical procedures surrounding voter registration forms and addressed regional roll verification processes in West Bengal.
Unpacking the 250-Page Affidavit
Diving into internal administrative procedures, the affidavit—endorsed unanimously by CEC Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi—drew a clear line between deliberation and formal decisions.
“A note, suggestion, or observation by any Election Commissioner does not constitute a decision by that Commissioner,” the poll body submitted, noting that while files routinely circulate across commissioners for review, urgent matters receive electronic approval that is documented on physical records later. Officials addressed public concerns regarding Form 6, which is used for new voter registrations. Firmly stating that statutory amendments can only be made by the Central Government, the ECI acknowledged that the online presentation of the declaration could be interpreted as an amendment, explaining that the unified interface was designed to facilitate voter convenience through a single one-time password (OTP) and e-signature.
Furthermore, to minimise distress among unmapped citizens during voter verification drives, the poll body stated that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will collect documentation directly from citizens’ doorsteps, eliminating the need for public hearings except in rare instances.
Electoral Reforms
The top court’s scrutiny follows mounting political friction and multiple petitions challenging the functioning of the multi-member constitutional body and the transparency of the SIR process.
Critics had alleged that statutory protocols were bypassed, citing internal disquiet and contentious roll revisions. In response, the Commission maintained that independent queries during workflow must not be conflated with institutional discord. Addressing the nearly 1.6 million voter inclusion appeals filed in West Bengal, the poll body noted that these challenges were initiated directly by the State Chief Electoral Officer’s administration under statutory guidelines and relevant judicial instructions, rather than through Commission directives.
The Commission reaffirmed that technical safeguards within its digital platforms prevent arbitrary alterations, with all inclusions and deletions requiring lawful orders by designated Electoral Registration Officers.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At the very heart of a thriving democracy lies the unflinching integrity of its electoral apparatus. When citizens question the systems that record their voice, public confidence inevitably frays.
While constitutional protections rightly shield election chiefs from arbitrary political interference to preserve institutional independence, equal vigour must be channelled into cultivating transparent communication and empathetic outreach. Requiring booth-level workers to walk to people’s doorsteps—sparing citizens the indignity and logistical ordeal of formal hearings simply to retain their franchise—is a heartening, humane step in the right direction. True institutional strength is not demonstrated merely by legal affidavits, but by an unwavering commitment to inclusive dialogue, civic ease, and transparent checks and balances. As our public institutions navigate an increasingly polarising digital era, how can electoral bodies strike the right balance between robust administrative efficiency and complete, open transparency to strengthen everyday citizens’ trust?
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