Will Congress Respect the Judiciary in Kerala's SIR Plea?
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Synopsis
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Kerala's plea regarding the SIR of electoral rolls, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput emphasizes their commitment to the judiciary, promising to respect its decisions. The outcome will significantly impact the upcoming Local Self-Government Institutions elections in Kerala.
Key Takeaways
- Congress respects the judiciary and awaits the Supreme Court's decision.
- The Kerala government's plea aims to delay the SIR amidst electoral preparations.
- Concerns about administrative challenges if SIR is conducted concurrently with elections.
- Statutory deadlines emphasize the urgency of completing elections.
- The Supreme Court's ruling will be crucial for the electoral process in Kerala.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (NationPress) Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput addressed the forthcoming Supreme Court session regarding the Kerala government's request to delay the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in light of the approaching Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGI) elections, stating, "we respect the judiciary and will await its decision."
In comments made to IANS, he expressed, "The hearing will occur, and we will patiently await it. We are individuals who honor the judiciary and the nation's Constitution. Whatever outcome arises from the hearing, we will respond with an appropriate statement."
The Supreme Court is set to review the plea today, which seeks a postponement of the SIR process due to the impending local elections in Kerala.
Earlier this week, a panel led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai agreed to schedule the case after the attorney indicated that the SIR procedure is currently in progress, despite elections being planned for the second week of December.
The Kerala government filed this plea under Article 32, after the Kerala High Court rejected its writ petition to delay the SIR process last week. The state has contended that executing the SIR alongside the elections would result in an “administrative impasse”, citing significant manpower limitations.
The petition mentions that over 176,000 government and quasi-government personnel, along with 68,000 security staff, are required for the local elections. However, the SIR demands an additional 25,668 officials, many sourced from the same limited pool of trained election personnel, raising concerns over potential overextension and disruptions in election management.
It also pointed out statutory deadlines outlined in the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 and the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994, highlighting that the elections need to be completed by December 21, 2025.
The government emphasized that conducting the SIR simultaneously with the elections might burden the administration and jeopardize the seamless execution of the elections.
Rajput's remarks underscore the Congress party's commitment to honoring the judicial process, while the state government seeks clarity on the practicality of conducting both operations concurrently.
The Supreme Court's ruling today will determine if the SIR schedule can continue or if the electoral revision will be deferred to facilitate a smooth LSGI election process.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the importance of upholding the judicial process in this situation. The Congress party's commitment to respecting the Supreme Court's decision reflects a broader respect for democracy. The implications of this case will undoubtedly resonate across Kerala, impacting the electoral landscape and governance. We remain vigilant in covering this story as it unfolds.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court hearing about?
The Supreme Court is hearing a plea from the Kerala government requesting a postponement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls due to the upcoming Local Self-Government Institutions elections.
Why does the Kerala government want to defer the SIR?
The Kerala government argues that conducting the SIR concurrently with the elections will create an administrative impasse due to manpower constraints.
What are the statutory deadlines for the elections?
The elections must be completed before December 21, 2025, as stipulated in the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act and the Kerala Municipality Act.
What is Congress's position on the judiciary?
Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput expressed that the party respects the judiciary and will wait for its decision regarding the SIR plea.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's decision?
The court's ruling will determine whether the SIR process can proceed as planned or if it will be postponed, affecting the LSGI elections.
