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Kochi, Nov 13 (IANS) The Kerala government on Thursday approached the High Court seeking a temporary stay on the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In its petition, the government has requested to stop the process saying that there is no immediate need for such an exercise at this stage.
The government argued that the ongoing SIR is leading to administrative stress and staff shortages, as officials are already burdened with other essential duties.
The petition, filed before Justice VG Arun, clarified that the state is not questioning the validity of the SIR but is only seeking its postponement.
The government also told the court that it does not intend to approach the Supreme Court on this matter.
The move comes as SIR calculations have begun across Kerala and there is a strong political consensus against the Election Commission’s decision.
In September, the Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the amendment, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan warning that its intent and timing raised serious concerns.
CM Vijayan had told the House that updating the voter list from time to time is routine, but the intensity and urgency of the current drive appears “unusual” and may pave the way for a National Register of Citizens (NRC) style exercise through indirect means.
He accused the Center of using administrative channels to push a politically sensitive agenda that could weaken the secular and inclusive fabric of Kerala.
Opposition leader VD Satheesan also supported the proposal, calling the SIR a “hasty and ill-conceived move” that risked depriving genuine voters, especially from marginalized communities.
Earlier this month, an all-party meeting called by the state government – except the BJP – urged the government to seek legal recourse against the amendment.
Acting on this consent, the government filed its petition before the High Court on Thursday seeking an immediate stay.
Meanwhile, the move coincides with the announcement of two-phase local body elections to be held on December 9 and 11, although the SIR process is unrelated to the elections.
–IANS
SG/DPB