Tamil Nadu’s Ruling Party Files Supreme Court Challenge Over Voter Roll Revision
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the Election Commission’s directive to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across the state. The DMK claims the move is unconstitutional and could lead to the deletion of valid voter names from the list.
Petition Grounds
In its writ petition, the DMK argues that the SIR violates Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, and 326 of the Constitution, as well as provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The party contends that the short timeline and complex documentation requirements could disenfranchise genuine voters, particularly those from rural and marginalized communities.
Scope of the Revision
The Election Commission had scheduled the SIR from November 4, 2025, as part of a nationwide electoral roll revision in several states and Union Territories ahead of upcoming elections. The DMK insists that the order undermines the federal spirit by bypassing the state’s authority in the process.
Political Response
The decision has sparked political tension in Tamil Nadu, with DMK leaders holding an all-party meeting before moving the Supreme Court. Opposition parties have expressed mixed reactions — some calling it a necessary step to clean up duplicate entries, while others back the DMK’s stance that it infringes upon citizens’ rights. The Supreme Court’s ruling will have significant implications for how far the Election Commission can go in revising voter lists without state consultation.
