"Right To Vote At Great Peril": Ex-Supreme Court Judge Rohinton Nariman On Mass Voter Deletions

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman warned that the right to vote—a cornerstone of democracy—is at great risk due to concerns over the Election Commission's (ECI) functioning. Nariman, speaking at an event in Rajkot, expressed alarm over the disenfranchisement of 90 lakh voters in West Bengal during the revision process (SIR).

He urged the Supreme Court to intervene to rectify these disturbing developments. Nariman highlighted the need for the Constitution Bench to step in and ensure the Election Commission operates independently and impartially. He criticized the new appointment mechanism for Election Commissioners, which now requires a selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, a minister nominated by him, and the Leader of the Opposition.

Nariman argued that this arrangement undermines the independence of the poll panel, as commissioners continue to be appointed by the government. He also referred to a controversy surrounding the revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal, where 22 lakh voters, out of the 90 lakh affected, have filed appeals. Nariman emphasized the importance of a Constitution Bench decision to ensure that votes accurately translate into representation.