Key Verdict on Electoral Roll Revision Due May 27

A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant will on Wednesday pronounce its long-awaited order on the legality of the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. The petitions question whether the Election Commission can unilaterally undertake such an extensive exercise without explicit parliamentary sanction. The court reserved its decision on 29 January after detailed arguments spanning several months. Although the revision process was allowed to continue, it has already been completed in five states and union territories while remaining underway in several others. Petitioners argue that the move disproportionately affects marginalised communities and lacks statutory backing under existing election laws. The bench had earlier mandated inclusion of Aadhaar cards among documents voters may submit, yet stressed that possession of Aadhaar would not automatically establish citizenship. The outcome is expected to clarify the limits of the Commission’s authority in maintaining accurate electoral rolls ahead of future national and state elections.