Ebenezer News Explainer DeskExplainers are written from our published summary and its cited sources, then checked against them.10 Oct 2026, 02:31 pmUpdated 1h ago4 min readIndiaIndia
Why civil society groups seek a probe into the SIR process
Civil society groups have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. According to The Hindu, the groups are concerned that these actions threaten democratic institutions and constitutional principles.
They also urged the Supreme Court to examine the constitutionality of the law governing election commissioner appointments. These developments have raised important questions about election integrity in India.
Demands made by civil society
According to The Hindu, Janandolan Maha Maitri (JMM), Citizens for Democracy (CFD), and other civil society groups have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
They also want a Supreme Court-monitored independent investigation into the Centre's role in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
S.R. Hiremath addressed a press conference in Dharwad on Saturday to outline these major concerns.
M.C. Haveri and I.G. Pulli of the National Campaign for People’s Right to Information were present at the event.
Lakshman Bakkai and Shameem Mulla of JMM also attended the press conference.
Why these demands matter
According to The Hindu, the groups are worried that the revision of electoral rolls could exclude eligible voters.
This situation could undermine universal adult franchise and the right to equality guaranteed by Articles 326 and 14 of the Constitution.
Eligible voters face potential exclusion from electoral rolls
Universal adult franchise could be undermined across the country
Constitutional rights to equality under Articles 326 and 14 face risks
Independence of the Election Commission of India remains a central concern
Democratic institutions and constitutional principles require independent scrutiny and protection
Mr. Hiremath called for an investigation into the role of the Union government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He pointed to their involvement in the appointment of election commissioners and the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
Background on the dispute
According to The Hindu, Mr. Hiremath alleged that the Special Intensive Revision exercise raised serious constitutional concerns.
He also stated that the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, raised similar constitutional questions.
He urged the Supreme Court to take up the issues suo motu and examine the constitutionality of the 2023 Act.
Regarding the 2023 law governing appointments, Mr. Hiremath stated that the legislation replaced the Chief Justice of India with a Union Cabinet Minister on the selection committee.
This marked a departure from the arrangement laid down by the Supreme Court in its March 2023 judgment in Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India.
He noted that this change weakened safeguards for the commission's independence.
What happens next
According to The Hindu, civil society groups are pressing for specific judicial and administrative remedies regarding the electoral process.
The groups are pushing for legal action against the Chief Election Commissioner and others allegedly responsible for violations.
The Supreme Court could decide whether to take up the issues suo motu and examine the 2023 law.
Authorities may face calls for an independent investigation into the role of the Union government.
Stakeholders could pursue the restoration of electoral rolls to the position as on January 1, 2025.
Review proceedings could be sought for elections held after the revision process, including those in Bihar and West Bengal.
Key facts at a glance
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar faced demands for his resignation from civil society groups.
Janandolan Maha Maitri and Citizens for Democracy organized the press conference in Dharwad on Saturday.
S.R. Hiremath serves as the president of JMM and CFD.
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act was passed in 2023.
Articles 326 and 14 of the Constitution guarantee universal adult franchise and the right to equality.
