Opposition Leader Gandhi, 10 Allies Challenge Election Commission Scrutiny Order

The opposition coalition has moved the apex court seeking to quash the Election Commission's directive for Special Intensive Review (SIR), arguing the measure exceeds the poll body's constitutional authority. Gandhi and his co-petitioners contend that the SIR process violates established electoral procedures and procedural safeguards guaranteed under Indian law.

The Special Intensive Review mechanism, invoked by the Election Commission, has drawn criticism from opposition quarters who view it as potentially targeting certain political parties or electoral processes. The petitioners have sought urgent intervention from the Supreme Court, framing the issue as a matter of constitutional significance affecting electoral integrity and fairness.

The plea comes amid heightened political tensions over election administration, with the opposition bloc challenging the discretionary powers exercised by the Election Commission in initiating the review process. The petitioners argue that such measures require explicit statutory basis and cannot be undertaken unilaterally by the poll body.

The Supreme Court has not yet scheduled hearings on the petition. The outcome could have significant implications for ongoing electoral processes and the Election Commission's oversight mechanisms across India's election cycle.