Tamil Nadu Government to Challenge Election Commission's Voter Roll Revision in Supreme Court

Tamil Nadu to Move Supreme Court Over Voter Roll Revision

In a significant development concerning electoral processes in India, a multi-party meeting convened by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on November 2, 2025, resolved to challenge the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in the Supreme Court. The decision stems from allegations that the revision is 'anti-democratic' and a 'calculated strategy to eliminate genuine voters' ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The meeting, held in Chennai, saw participation from over 60 political parties, though key constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), including the AIADMK, BJP, PMK, and TDP, abstained.

Understanding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India to update, verify, and correct electoral rolls across the country. Conducted under Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and empowered by Article 324 of the Constitution, its primary objectives include:

• Accuracy: Removing duplicate names, deceased voters, and ineligible persons.
• Inclusion: Ensuring all eligible citizens, including first-time voters and migrants, are registered.
• Legitimacy: Strengthening public trust by cleansing rolls.

The ECI announced the second phase of SIR across 12 states and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, with the final voter list slated for publication on February 7, 2026. The enumeration phase, involving house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and requiring voters to fill fresh enumeration forms, is scheduled from November to December 4. Voters may need to trace their names to previous electoral rolls or submit documents, with Aadhaar accepted as proof of identity but not domicile or citizenship.

Tamil Nadu's Objections and Allegations

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the allied parties voiced strong opposition to the SIR, particularly its timing. They argue that conducting a full-scale revision just months before the 2026 Assembly elections could lead to the large-scale deletion of legitimate voters and pave the way for irregularities. The resolution adopted at the meeting stated, 'There is no doubt that the SIR, planned unilaterally… is aimed at depriving people of their voting rights and burying democracy deep.'

Concerns were also raised about the practical challenges, such as the North-East monsoon coinciding with the revision period, which could hinder participation from rural voters and officials. Furthermore, some allies accused the ECI of acting as 'a puppet of the BJP-led government at the Centre' and suggested the revision could disproportionately affect minorities and voters leaning towards the opposition.

Legal Recourse and Precedent

The decision to approach the Supreme Court comes as a case challenging a similar SIR exercise in Bihar is already pending before the apex court. The Tamil Nadu parties questioned the justification for proceeding with the second phase of SIR in the state while a verdict on the Bihar case is still awaited. The resolution urged the ECI to either abandon the current revision process or conduct it with adequate time after the 2026 Assembly elections.

In India, decisions made by the Election Commission can be challenged in High Courts and subsequently in the Supreme Court, providing a legal avenue for addressing grievances related to electoral processes. The DMK and its allies are now preparing to file a petition seeking judicial intervention to protect what they perceive as the voting rights of all Tamil Nadu voters.