Supreme Court Clarifies Stance on Election Commission’s Form 6 Amid Controversy Over Voter Registration

The Supreme Court of India has made it clear that it has not sanctioned any amendments to Form 6, which is crucial for registering new voters. This clarification came from Chief Justice Surya Kant during a hearing related to ongoing petitions that call for the suspension of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The petitions allege that Kumar has been making unilateral decisions regarding the revision of the electoral rolls.

On September 26, the Election Commission issued a statement claiming that a declaration appended to Form 6 for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls had received the Supreme Court’s approval. However, Chief Justice Kant firmly stated, “Any modified Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let’s be clear. When the record is produced, we would like to see who modified it.” This highlights the ongoing tension between the judiciary and the Election Commission regarding the integrity of voter registration processes.

The court has opted not to issue an interim order regarding the petitions at this stage, preferring instead to gather responses from the Election Commission and other relevant parties. Notices have been sent to several key figures, including Gyanesh Kumar, the Union government, and other commissioners involved in the electoral process. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the functioning and accountability of the Election Commission.

In a related development, the Supreme Court directed the police in Delhi to foster a sense of “fear and fright” among those who pose a threat to women’s safety. The court emphasized that potential offenders should be made aware of the severe consequences they could face if they engage in such crimes, stating that there should be fear instilled in the minds of those who threaten women.

This directive comes in response to growing concerns over women’s safety in urban areas, particularly in the national capital, where incidents of violence against women have raised alarms. The Supreme Court’s orders reflect a broader societal need to address and deter such behaviors effectively, ensuring a safer environment for all citizens.

Source: scroll.in