Why Did the Supreme Court Decline to Extend the Claim Submission Deadline?
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Synopsis
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has chosen not to extend the claim submission deadline set by the Election Commission for Bihar's electoral rolls. This decision carries implications for voters and political parties alike, as the process continues. The court has ensured that claims can still be submitted, adding a layer of complexity to the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court upheld the deadline for claims.
- Claims submitted post-deadline will still be considered.
- Voter assistance will be provided by para legal volunteers.
- Ongoing scrutiny of electoral rolls continues until nominations.
- Significant number of claims and objections reported.
New Delhi, Sep 1 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Monday refused to extend the September 1 deadline established by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for submitting claims and objections regarding the draft electoral rolls released in Bihar following the initial phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
This decision followed the ECI's assurance to the apex court that objections submitted after September 1, but prior to the final date for nominations, would still be eligible for consideration in the voters’ list.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi was reviewing multiple applications submitted by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other political groups requesting an extension of the election body’s deadline for claim submissions.
In its ruling, the Justice Kant-led Bench emphasized, "The evaluation of claims will persist until the last date of nominations. Let the claims/objections continue to be submitted."
Moreover, the bench instructed the Bihar State Legal Services Authority to assign para legal volunteers (PLVs) to support voters and political entities in filing online claims, objections, or corrections.
The Justice Kant-led Bench mandated PLVs to prepare a confidential report for the respective District Legal Services Authority, which will then be compiled at the Bihar State Legal Services Authority level for further evaluation by the Supreme Court.
As per the ECI, the draft rolls, which were published on August 1, are currently under review through claims and objections from political parties, electors, and Booth Level Agents (BLAs).
The election body disclosed that it has received 33,326 claims for inclusion and 2,07,565 objections for exclusion, out of which 38,342 have already been resolved. Over 15.32 lakh new electors aged 18 or above have submitted Form-6 applications, with 81,073 cases being resolved within a week, it stated.
The primary batch of petitions contesting the SIR, which was initiated on June 24, is scheduled for a hearing on September 8.
Point of View
I believe this ruling balances the need for timely electoral processes with the assurance that citizens' voices will still be heard, fostering trust in our democratic systems.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court's recent decision regarding the claim submission deadline?
The Supreme Court declined to extend the September 1 deadline set by the Election Commission for filing claims and objections related to the electoral rolls in Bihar.
Will claims submitted after September 1 be considered?
Yes, the Supreme Court confirmed that objections sent after September 1 but before the last date of nominations will still be considered for inclusion in the voters' list.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process conducted by the Election Commission to update and verify electoral rolls.
How many claims and objections have been received?
The Election Commission reported receiving 33,326 claims for inclusion and 2,07,565 objections for exclusion.
When is the next hearing for the petitions challenging the SIR?
The next hearing for the main batch of petitions challenging the SIR is scheduled for September 8.
