Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Responses Over CEC Gyanesh Kumar Pleas
The Supreme Court is asking the Election Commission and the government to answer questions about how election decisions were made.
The questions include whether the Chief Election Commissioner acted without the other commissioners’ approval.
Petitioners also raised concerns about voter lists and the form used to register new voters.
The court said it did not order changes to that form.
It did not suspend the Chief Election Commissioner or decide that the allegations are true.
It will look at records and responses before deciding what to do next.
Congress leaders want the Chief Election Commissioner to resign and the voter-list revision to stop.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says checking for deceased, moved, or duplicate entries is necessary.
The dispute has led to protests and opposing political claims.
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Election Commission of India and the Centre, seeking responses within a week to petitions challenging decisions allegedly made without other commissioners’ approval.
The court declined to suspend Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar or grant other interim relief, and said it would examine records before reaching conclusions.
The court clarified it had not directed changes to Form 6, which is used to register new voters.
A petition seeks an inquiry and audit over allegations that 13 crore names were deleted across 30 states and Union Territories during the Special Intensive Revision; the claims have not been established in court.
Congress leaders demanded Kumar’s resignation and an end to the revision, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended removing deceased, shifted, or duplicate entries.
- Who
- The Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India, the Centre, petitioners, and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- The court issued notices on petitions challenging alleged unilateral decisions and aspects of the Special Intensive Revision, while denying immediate relief.
- When
- October 5, 2026; responses were sought within a week.
- Where
- The Supreme Court in New Delhi; protests were also reported in New Delhi and Mumbai.
- Why
- Petitioners allege that decisions and voter-list changes raise concerns about the Election Commission’s procedures and accountability.
Critics of the revision
Supporters of the revision
Special Intensive Revision
Critics of the revision
Congress and other critics oppose the exercise, alleging it threatens voting rights and demanding that it be annulled.
Supporters of the revision
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says checking for deceased, permanently shifted, and duplicate entries is necessary to remove ineligible names.
CEC decision-making
Critics of the revision
Petitioners and opposition leaders allege that Gyanesh Kumar acted unilaterally or improperly and have called for his resignation or an investigation.
Supporters of the revision
The court has not found that Kumar acted unlawfully or unilaterally; it said it would examine records and sought responses before deciding.
- Notice recipients
- Election Commission of India and the Centre
- Response deadline
- Within a week
- Chief Election Commissioner
- Gyanesh Kumar
- Interim relief
- Denied; the court said it would examine relevant records
- Form 6
- A statutory form used to register new voters; the court said it had not directed modifications
- Deletion allegation
- A petition alleges 13 crore names were deleted across 30 states and Union Territories during the Special Intensive Revision
- Congress demands
- Kumar’s resignation, annulment of the revision, and a return to ballot papers
