Supreme Court hears petitions over Delhi electoral roll protests

The Supreme Court of India is hearing petitions regarding large-scale protests in Delhi over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstrations, characterized by the slogan ‘Vote Chori’, demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar following allegations of unilateral decision-making and mass voter deletions.

On October 10, Delhi was heavily fortified with barricades and metal spikes to curb demonstrations. Reports indicate that over 7,000 protesters, including students, lawyers, and journalists, were detained by police. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have challenged these actions and the electoral process in court.

While the Supreme Court issued directions to restrain the police from detaining peaceful protesters, lawyers, and journalists, subsequent petitions allege that illegal detentions have continued in defiance of judicial orders. The Supreme Court Bar Association has also filed petitions regarding the treatment of legal professionals during the crackdown.