Justice Ajul Bhuiyan declares mass deprivation of voting rights unconstitutional

Supreme Court Justice Ajul Bhuiyan has stated that any electoral process resulting in the large-scale deprivation of Indian citizens' right to vote would be considered arbitrary and unconstitutional. Speaking at an event at the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR), Justice Bhuiyan noted that such actions would violate Articles 326 and 14 of the Constitution and constitute an attack on its basic structure.

He emphasized that once a voter is included in the electoral roll, their name cannot be removed without notice and an opportunity to present their case, except in the case of deceased voters. He argued that the Constitution does not permit dividing citizens into classes where one group is denied the right to vote.

These remarks have intensified political tension regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Opposition leaders, including members of the TMC and Congress, have used the judge's comments to criticize Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, leaders Adhir Patangia and Raj Thackeray led a protest march against the Election Commission, though Mumbai police subsequently filed cases against the organizers for holding the march without permission.