INDIA
SIR row escalates: 11 INDIA Bloc leaders move Supreme Court over voter deletions
Several INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Monday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in electoral roll revisions, media reports said.
The petition was filed following a march by INDIA bloc leaders and supporters in the national capital to protest alleged electoral irregularities linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
According to India Today, the public interest litigation (PIL) names 11 Opposition leaders as petitioners: Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, CPI(M) leader MA Baby, CPI leader D Raja, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader Mahua Majhi, NCP-SCP leader Supriya Sule and IUML leader ET Mohammed Basheer.
The INDIA bloc had earlier sought an appointment with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, but the request was declined.
Speaking to the media, CJI Kant said he had communicated his inability to meet the Opposition leaders but declined to disclose the reasons, citing confidentiality.
“The Supreme Court's door is open for everyone. Be it an ordinary citizen or an elected representative, they have the right to approach us,” he said.
“We will hear their matter in accordance with the law and ensure those who are entitled to rights will be guaranteed.”
Protests Over CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Meanwhile, Delhi witnessed demonstrations over the weekend, with Opposition leaders and Congress-backed protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
More than 3,000 protesters, including politicians, were detained on Saturday and released later that night.
Police imposed extensive security restrictions across the national capital to prevent demonstrators from assembling at Jantar Mantar.
The restrictions forced protesters to split into smaller groups and gather at different locations across Delhi.
YouTube commentator Dhruv Rathee was among those released late on Saturday night. Known for his criticism of the NDA government, Rathee has also expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
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