Key Points:
-
EC’s Allegation: The EC alleged that the Opposition parties are intentionally misleading the court by making false claims regarding the electoral revision process in Bihar. The Opposition, including the INDIA bloc, has been alleging that the intensive revision will lead to the disenfranchisement of 65 lakh voters.
-
Clarification on Exclusions: The Commission explained that the exclusion of names from the draft roll does not equate to the deletion of voters. It noted that the process of updating electoral rolls can sometimes result in inadvertent errors or exclusions due to human involvement.
-
Response to the Opposition’s Claims: The Commission further countered claims made by petitioners that voters excluded from the draft list have no recourse to file claims or objections. The EC made it clear that there is a provision for the inclusion of individuals whose enumeration forms were not received within the specified timeframe.
-
Booth-Level Lists: The EC also highlighted that booth-level lists of individuals whose enumeration forms were not received have been shared with political parties, enabling them to ensure that all eligible voters are included. The Commission stated that political parties had acknowledged receipt of these lists.
-
Accusations of Misleading the Court: The EC emphasized that the petitioners were consistently attempting to malign its image by making false claims through various media channels. It urged the Supreme Court to impose heavy costs on the petitioners for misleading the court.
-
Final Hearing Set for August 12-13: The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions filed by Opposition parties challenging the special intensive electoral roll revision in Bihar. The Court has scheduled the final hearing of the case for August 12 and 13.
Conclusion:
The Election Commission’s affidavit reflects growing tension between the poll body and the Opposition parties. The EC’s accusations that the Opposition is deliberately misleading the court could lead to significant legal consequences, including the imposition of costs if the Supreme Court agrees. The court’s final decision on this matter, expected in the coming days, will have critical implications for Bihar’s electoral roll revision process ahead of the upcoming polls.
About the Author
