The Supreme Court has issued an order regarding the Election Commission of India's electoral roll revision exercise. The court noted the Election Commission's submission that the revision process will continue until the last date for filing nominations. The Election Commission clarified that while the deadline for claims and objections for the draft roll is September 30, and final rolls will be published on October 1, applications will still be processed.
The EC stated, “the revisions will continue till the last date of filing of nominations.” This development addresses concerns from petitioners, including political parties and NGOs, about the short deadline. To address a noted "trust deficit," the court has also directed paralegal volunteers from district legal services authorities to assist people in filing their claims and objections online.
The order came while a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was considering the applications filed by political parties seeking to extend the deadline by two weeks.
The Supreme Court said, "As regards extension of time, note says that filing of claims/objections or corrections is not barred after 1 September. It is stated that the claims/objections/corrections can be submitted even after the deadline and same will be considered after roll has been finalised. Process will continue until last date of nominations and all inclusions/exclusions are integrated in the final roll. In light of this stand, let the claims/objections/corrections be continued to be filed. Meanwhile, political parties/petitioners may submit their affidavits in response to the note."