The Kerala High Court on Thursday heard a petition filed by the State Government seeking to defer the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ordered by the Election Commission of India (ECI). The plea cited administrative challenges and overlapping election schedules as reasons for requesting the postponement.
Justice V.G. Arun, who presided over the hearing, observed that the issue might be more appropriately handled by the Supreme Court, which is already examining similar petitions from other states, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
In its plea, the Kerala government clarified that it was not contesting the legality of the SIR but was seeking more time for its implementation. The state argued that conducting the revision alongside local body elections would place an excessive burden on officials. It pointed out that over 1.7 lakh officers and 68,000 security personnel are already assigned election duties, while the SIR process itself requires an additional 25,000 staff members.
The court acknowledged the logistical difficulties raised and said it would deliver its order on Friday.
The ECI’s decision to conduct SIR across multiple states has already been challenged before the apex court, with petitioners expressing concern about the timing and possible irregularities in the revision process.