The Supreme Court of India dismissed a plea challenging Punjab municipal elections through ballot papers instead of EVMs, with CJI Surya Kant observing that no judicial intervention was possible as polling was scheduled to begin the following day.
Today, On 6th May, The Supreme Court declined the Union Government’s request to postpone the hearing on the petitions challenging the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The bench said the matter required timely consideration.
A PIL has been filed in the Madras High Court seeking strict scrutiny of nomination papers to ensure only Hindus, Sikhs, or Buddhists can contest from SC-reserved constituencies. The plea relies on the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 and a recent Supreme Court ruling calling such disqualification “categorical and absolute.”
The Supreme Court witnessed an unusual scene as lawyers and litigants crowded the CJI’s courtroom to watch West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee personally present arguments in the SIR case.
The hearing on the electoral roll revision issue drew wide attention and has been adjourned for further proceedings.
The Supreme Court examined whether the Election Commission can deviate from prescribed rules while conducting a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls under Article 324 and Section 21. Senior Advocate Rakesh argued that the ECI’s powers are wide but must remain fair, just, and constitutionally regulated.