Sikkim: PIL filed in High Court challenging electoral roll revision process; hearing on June 11
By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: A public interest petition challenging certain aspects of the ongoing revision of electoral rolls in Sikkim has been admitted by the Sikkim High Court, with the matter scheduled to come up for hearing on June 11.
The petition has been moved by the Sikkimese Moolniwasi Suraksha Sangh, which has raised concerns regarding the manner in which the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists is being carried out across the state.
According to the organisation, it is not seeking to halt the revision exercise. Instead, it has urged the court to ensure that the process is implemented rigorously and transparently. One of its key demands is the reconsideration of the year used as the benchmark for determining voter eligibility.
Representatives of the Sangh have argued that the issue carries long-term implications for Sikkim due to the constitutional safeguards available to the state under Article 371F. The group believes that a carefully conducted revision process is necessary to protect the interests of the state's indigenous population.
The Special Intensive Revision was officially launched on May 30 by Chief Electoral Officer Raj Kumar Yadav in accordance with directives issued by the Election Commission of India. As part of the exercise, Booth Level Officers are currently visiting households across Sikkim to distribute and collect voter enumeration forms.
The legal challenge has brought the electoral revision process into sharp focus, with several indigenous groups viewing it as an important mechanism for preserving the state's demographic and political character.
The outcome of the June 11 hearing is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders across Sikkim as the electoral roll revision continues.