The Supreme Court of India has declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of electoral roll manipulation in the Bengaluru Central constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The PIL was filed by advocate Rohit Pandey, who is also a member of the Congress party.
The petitioner cited a press conference held by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on August 7, where he alleged large-scale voter list discrepancies in the Mahadevapura Assembly segment of Bengaluru Central. The PIL sought the establishment of an SIT led by a retired judge to investigate these claims and urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to implement measures ensuring transparency and accountability in the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls.
However, a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi observed that the petitioner could pursue the matter before the ECI. The court noted that the petitioner had already submitted a representation to the ECI, which had not yet taken action. Despite this, the bench declined to issue any directions or set a timeline for the ECI’s response, stating, “We are not inclined to entertain the petition, which is purportedly filed in public interest. The petitioner may pursue before ECI, if so advised.”
This decision underscores the judiciary’s preference for addressing electoral issues through established constitutional bodies like the Election Commission, rather than through judicial intervention via PILs.