Source TOI
New Delhi, December 1: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday submitted an affidavit in the Supreme Court defending the State of Electoral Rolls (SIR) system, describing the recent allegations against it as “highly exaggerated, factually incorrect, and politically motivated.”
The affidavit comes amid a growing political row, with several parties accusing the poll body of manipulating or mishandling voter data under the SIR mechanism. Petitioners have claimed that the system could potentially allow unauthorized access to sensitive voter information.
EC: ‘SIR enhances transparency, not manipulation’
In its response, the ECI stated that the SIR was introduced to strengthen transparency, streamline electoral roll purification, and ensure consistency across states. The Commission stressed that all processes under SIR are compliant with existing electoral laws and subject to multiple layers of scrutiny.
“The allegations attempt to create unwarranted suspicion about routine administrative reforms,” the affidavit noted, adding that the initiative had been misrepresented by “certain political actors for electoral gains.”
Political motive behind complaints, says EC
The Commission further argued that the complaints leveled against the SIR were part of a “deliberate narrative” aimed at undermining public trust in India’s electoral institutions. It said that the petition lacked substantive evidence and relied heavily on conjectures.
Supreme Court seeks clarity
A bench of the Supreme Court, hearing the petitions challenging SIR, had earlier asked the ECI to clarify the purpose, functioning, and data-handling protocols of the system. The Court is expected to take up the matter again next week to examine the affidavit and hear arguments from the petitioners.
Opposition parties remain critical
Despite the ECI’s strong rebuttal, opposition parties continue to press for a transparent review of the system. Several leaders have demanded an independent audit, arguing that voter data security is a matter of national importance.
As the legal battle intensifies, the Supreme Court’s forthcoming decision is likely to shape the future of the SIR framework and the broader discourse around electoral reforms in India.
