New Delhi | October 15, 2026

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought responses from the poll panel and its chief. The Court also tagged the petition with other pending matters challenging the validity of the SIR exercise in various states.

Opposition Leaders Challenge Electoral Roll Revision

The petition was filed by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and leaders representing several opposition parties.

Other petitioners include Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Trinamool Congress leader Saugata Roy, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) leader Supriya Sule and representatives of other INDIA bloc parties

The petition raises concerns about alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and challenges certain decisions taken by the Election Commission. The petitioners have sought judicial scrutiny of the decision-making process and greater transparency in voter deletions.

Court Seeks Responses, Raises Separate Concern

While issuing notice, the Bench stated that one of the petitioners would be asked to explain his conduct at the next hearing. The Court did not identify the petitioner in its remarks.

The Bench clarified that issuing notice should not be interpreted as a condemnation of any party. The matter will proceed after the respondents submit their responses and the Court considers the issues raised in the petitions.

What Is the Special Intensive Revision?

The Special Intensive Revision is an exercise undertaken by the Election Commission to review and update electoral rolls. The current legal challenge raises questions about alleged voter deletions, the process behind decisions taken by the Commission and safeguards for eligible voters.

The petitioners are seeking judicial intervention to examine the legality of the disputed decisions and protect the rights of eligible electors. The allegations remain subject to judicial consideration; the issuance of notice does not establish that the alleged irregularities occurred.

A Significant Development for Electoral Transparency

The Supreme Court’s decision to seek responses from the ECI and the Chief Election Commissioner marks a further development in the legal challenge to the SIR process. The proceedings could bring greater judicial scrutiny to the issues raised concerning electoral roll management and the protection of eligible voters.

The final outcome will depend on the submissions of the parties and the Court’s subsequent orders.

Reported by: Jeby
Designation: District Reporter, Indian Press Union (IPU)

Source: Bar & Bench, October 15, 2026. (https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/supreme-court-issues-notice-to-eci-cec-on-plea-by-rahul-gandhi-india-bloc-leaders-challenging-sir-voter-deletions)

This report is based on published news coverage and describes allegations as allegations unless established by the Court.