Supreme Court seeks Election Commission's response on SIR decisions

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to suspend Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while issuing notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking detailed responses on allegations of unilateral decision-making regarding SIR procedures.

The bench clarified in its order that the apex court had not sanctioned any modified version of Form 6, a standard electoral document. The clarification came as part of ongoing proceedings concerning the functioning of the electoral body and adherence to its internal protocols.

The court's decision to maintain Kumar in office while seeking responses suggests the bench found insufficient grounds for an immediate suspension, though it appears concerned about the substantive issues raised regarding SIR procedures and administrative decisions within the election commission.

The ECI has been directed to submit a comprehensive reply addressing the specific allegations of unilateral decisions and the circumstances surrounding any modifications to standard forms. The court is expected to examine the commission's response in subsequent hearings to determine if any irregularities have occurred in the conduct of electoral processes.