SIR: High Court suggests Kerala approach Supreme Court
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Kochi: After the Kerala government approached the High Court demanding a postponement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state, the court suggested that the government approach the Supreme Court, like other objecting states did.
Kerala High Court bench of Justice VG Arun said that it would pass an order on Friday on the state’s petition, seeking deferment of the exercise by the Election Commission of India until local body elections are over, The New Indian Express reported.
In its petition, the state government had requested that the process be halted, stating that there is no urgent necessity for such an exercise at this stage.
The government argued that the ongoing SIR is creating administrative strain and staff shortages, as officials are already burdened with other essential duties.
The plea, filed before Justice V.G. Arun, clarifies that the state is not questioning the validity of the SIR but merely seeking its postponement.
The government also informed the court that it does not intend to approach the Supreme Court on the matter.
In September, the Kerala Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution opposing the revision, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warning that its intent and timing raised serious concerns.
CM Vijayan had told the House that while periodic voter roll updates were routine, the intensity and urgency of the current drive appeared “unusual” and could pave the way for a National Register of Citizens (NRC)-style exercise through indirect means.
He accused the Centre of using administrative channels to push politically sensitive agendas that could undermine Kerala’s secular and inclusive fabric.
Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan had also supported the resolution, calling the SIR a “hurried and ill-conceived move” that risked disenfranchising genuine voters, particularly from marginalised communities.