THE HINDU DATED 29th OCT 2026

Summary of Important News Items and Editorials- 358

THE HINDU DATED 29th OCT 2026

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1. Supreme Court Questions Election Commission's Power to Penalise Voters During SIR

The Supreme Court questioned whether the Election Commission of India (ECI) could penalise existing voters for failing to submit fresh enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The controversy concerns the deletion of names of previously registered voters and whether administrative non-compliance can justify exclusion from the electorate. The Court observed that voter registration is linked to constitutional democratic rights and must not be treated merely as an administrative privilege. Under Article 324, the ECI supervises elections, while Article 326 establishes adult suffrage. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, governs electoral registration and eligibility. The ECI must maintain accurate voter lists, but its procedures must remain lawful, proportionate and fair. The Court's questions do not constitute a final judgment. Gist: Electoral-roll revision must protect legitimate voters against arbitrary exclusion. Institutional independence cannot replace procedural fairness, and administrative requirements must operate within the constitutional and statutory framework.

2. Karnataka Electoral-Roll Revision — 64.5 Lakh Voters Reported Missing