Bengaluru, May 21 (PTI) Karnataka’s Cabinet on Thursday discussed making every possible effort to protect citizens’ voting rights, while expressing concern over the lack of transparency in the SIR process, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said.
The Cabinet also deliberated on several issues, including whether to move the Supreme Court on matters related to SIR and whether the final voter list should be placed before the apex court prior to its formal finalisation.
He said the discussions were inconclusive and that a final decision would be taken after further deliberations over the next three to four days.
The Election Commission has announced that the Special Intensive Revision process in Karnataka will begin on June 20. The last SIR in the state was conducted in 2002, when the state had 3.55 crore voters.
Now, the state has 5.55 crore voters. The final electoral roll will be published on October 7.
“Today, the state Cabinet held a long and serious discussion regarding the SIR process that is about to begin in the state. Many troubling incidents have occurred across the country. For example, in West Bengal, around 27 lakh voters reportedly lost their voting rights. There have also been several serious objections and concerns raised in other states, including Tamil Nadu,” Patil said.
Briefing reporters about the Cabinet decision, he said that, keeping all this in mind, the Cabinet discussed ensuring that no citizen in the state loses their right to vote unnecessarily or deliberately due to any process or action.
Every possible effort must be made to protect citizens’ voting rights, he said.
“As you all know, even approaching the court against the Election Commission has become difficult now because legal provisions grant it immunity. Therefore, we also discussed whether this matter can be taken to the Supreme Court,” he added.
Noting that the Cabinet also discussed whether the final voter list could be submitted to the Supreme Court before its official finalisation so that it could truly be treated as the final voter list, the minister said, “We debated whether approaching the court on this matter would be possible.” Apart from this, discussions were also held on 10–12 different issues in detail, he said. “However, the discussion is still incomplete. Over the next couple of days, we will continue discussions with the CM (Siddaramaiah) and party leaders. A final decision will be taken within the next three to four days.” Patil said the Cabinet will suggest serious steps regarding the SIR process and is also considering approaching the Supreme Court on various issues. However, discussions are still ongoing, and no conclusion has yet been reached.
“We will continue discussions and make a final decision within three to four days,” he added.
Voting is fundamentally a question of citizens’ rights, Patil said.
“If the Election Commission makes a mistake, and it now has complete immunity, then what legal remedy remains available to citizens? Under such circumstances, what issues can still be taken before the Supreme Court? That is the question before us. Discussions are still inconclusive; we will finalise and communicate our position within the next three to four days,” he added.
Once again highlighting SIR-related issues in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, the minister said all this has shaken the credibility and confidence of Indian citizens in the electoral process.
“In light of this, the Cabinet expressed serious concern and held detailed discussions,” he said.
The state government’s main concern is the lack of transparency in the SIR process, the minister said.
“For example, tribunals established in Bihar did not function effectively. Arbitrators and judges appointed for the purpose either did not sit or resigned, saying that such a massive exercise could not be completed within one or two months or even 20 days, and that it would require years,” he added.
Keeping all this in mind, the government is still finalising its decisions. Discussions will continue, and the final view may emerge around May 24, 25, or 26, he said. PTI SSK
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