Bombay High Court questions ECI's voter-deletion process in Goa case
The Bombay High Court challenged the Election Commission of India over the removal of seven family members from Goa's electoral rolls, demanding justification for deleting names without a hearing.
The Bombay High Court interrogated the Election Commission of India after seven members of a Goa family were struck off the electoral list following a special intensive revision, despite having filed Form 8 to prove their residence. Justices Amit Jamsandekar and Valmiki Menezes asked the commission to point to any statutory provision that permits deletion without a prior hearing. Petitioners, led by Paresh Salgaoncar, had secured favorable rulings from the DEO and CEO but were later told to submit Form 6 as a new voter, which Salgaoncar declined, fearing a false declaration.
The ECI defended its action as compliant with the process dictated by Block Level Officers. The court reiterated that due process demands a hearing before any voter’s name can be removed and scheduled further arguments for October 7.
Why it matters
It highlights potential conflicts between election technology and legal rights to due process.
How this story developed
- Sep 23 Election Commission denies internal dissent, says all decisions were unanimous
- Sep 23 Congress senior filed a petition urging the Supreme Court to intervene and summon the Election Commission members.
- Sep 25 A Supreme Court petition seeking criminal prosecution of the chief election commissioner was filed.
- Sep 26 The Election Commission announced that Booth Level Officers will visit voters flagged in the SIR to collect supporting documents, with online hearings and additional help desks to be established.
- Sep 27 Opposition parties announced nationwide rallies and a parliamentary motion to force the CEC’s resignation following the removal of over 130 million voter names.
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