EC
Congress donations fall nearly 75%, sharpest decline in a decade
In the fiscal year 2025-26, the Congress party's donations exceeding Rs 20,000 fell drastically, with a staggering 75% decrease to Rs 130.69 crore, compared to Rs 517.39 crore in the previous year. This drop follows two years of steady growth and is chiefly attributed to a decrease in funds from the Prudent Electoral Trust.
EC gives voters left out of SIR draft rolls ‘one more opportunity’ to re-enrol; restores old EPIC numbers
The Election Commission has offered voters excluded from draft electoral rolls in seven states a fresh opportunity to re-enrol after being marked Absent, Shifted, Dead or Duplicate. Eligible applicants will have their original EPIC numbers restored in final rolls, while election officials have been directed to undertake door-to-door outreach.
2,787 cases of stubble burning recorded in Punjab, fines totaling Rs 46.10 lakh imposed
In Punjab, 2,787 incidents of paddy stubble burning were recorded as of November 5. The Punjab Pollution Control Board conducted field inspections at various locations, confirming many fires. Environmental compensation fines have been imposed, and several FIRs were registered for violations. Various actions, including warning notices, were issued to curb these incidents and hold offenders accountable. The situation remains critical as stubble burning continues across multiple districts despite administrative actions.
ECI restores DEC-level oversight of IT wing after 2 ECs raise concerns
The Election Commission of India issued a new work allocation order restoring oversight of the IT division. This change followed objections from two Election Commissioners regarding a prior order issued by senior Deputy Election Commissioner Maneesh Garg. Both Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi wrote to cabinet secretary TV Somanathan concerning Garg's unapproved directive.
SC seeks Centre, ECI response to plea challenging blanket immunity for Election Commissioners
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea challenging legal immunity granted to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners for acts performed in official duties. The petition questions whether Section 16 of the 2023 law violates constitutional principles of equality, accountability and access to justice.
Supreme Court issues notice on plea challenging blanket immunity granted to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, ECs amid SIR row
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre and Election Commission of India to respond to a petition. This petition challenges the blanket legal immunity provided to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners for their official actions. The petitioner argues that this immunity lacks accountability and covers acts without good faith. Additionally, the Act has faced scrutiny regarding its amendment process and previous rulings.
Delhi SIR: SC to hear plea on concerns over EC's Form 6 clarification on Nov 19
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing on November 19 regarding concerns over voter enrollment in Delhi. Petitioners argue that the Election Commission's clarification allows unjust requirements for previously registered voters. The court had previously questioned the need for voters to re-register using Form 6. Advocates suggested that those previously enrolled should have alternative options for reinstating their voting rights.
SIR: EC separates Form 6, declaration in online submission process; mandates separate OTPs
The Election Commission has divided the voter enrolment process into separate submissions for Form 6 and declarations. This change occurred following a Supreme Court directive aimed at improving clarity in the application process. Previously enrolled voters can reapply if their names are missing from draft lists. The new system requires distinct OTP verifications and e-Signatures for successful submissions.
Govt focussed on ensuring that Indian students headed to Uzbekistan receive quality education: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs said the government is engaging with Uzbekistan to ensure Indian students pursuing medical and other courses there receive quality education and meet National Medical Commission requirements. It also cautioned students against unregistered education consultants and institutions that may lack adequate infrastructure or fail to meet Indian medical regulations.
EC clarifies previously enrolled voters can submit Form 6 if names missing from draft rolls during SIR
The Election Commission of India has clarified procedures for voters missing from draft electoral rolls. Voters can submit Form 6 to seek inclusion in final rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision. This submission will not be considered a false declaration if certain conditions are met. The clarification follows a recent Delhi High Court order concerning voter enrollment.
Post-SIR, voter base in 5 poll-bound states shrank by up to 13.24%
Voter numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur saw a notable reduction after the Special Intensive Revision. The overall electorate decreased from approximately 18.71 crore to 16.43 crore, which represents a 12.2 percent drop. Uttar Pradesh accounted for the majority of this decline, losing about 2.04 crore voters. The other states experienced varying reductions and some recoveries in voter registrations.
EC issues guidelines for officers' transfer or posting ahead of UP polls
The Election Commission has released guidelines for transferring officials engaged in election-related duties. These guidelines aim to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process for the upcoming 2027 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Polls. Officers who have served in the same district for three years must be transferred out. A report detailing actions taken must be submitted to the Election Commission by November 30.
EC orders transfer of some categories of officers linked to polls in five states
The Election Commission has directed the transfer of certain election-related officers in five states. This decision is part of ensuring fair play during the upcoming polls in 2027. Officers connected to election work, including various district and police officials, are affected by the transfer order. These transfers aim to prevent any bias or interference in the electoral process.
Congress calls EC affidavit on SIR in SC 'deceptive, deceitful and duplicitous'
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Election Commission of deception regarding their affidavit. He claimed that the Commission's stance on Form 6 has been inconsistent and misleading. Ramesh alleged that illegal amendments to voter registration forms have occurred during the Special Intensive Revision. The Election Commission, in response, defended its actions as unanimously approved and lawful. Disputes between the election commissioners reflect deep concerns over decision-making processes and transparency.
Supreme Court grants 10 days to petitioners to reply to EC affidavit defending SIR
The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave petitioners 10 days to respond to the Election Commission's affidavit defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The bench also issued notices on Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen's plea alleging changes to Form 6 during Bihar's SIR without the court's approval.
SC issues notice to EC on plea alleging Form 6 changes during Bihar SIR
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission on Dola Sen's plea concerning voter registration. This plea alleges that changes to Form 6 were made during the Bihar Special Intensive Revision exercise. The Election Commission has defended its actions, stating that the form was not amended as claimed. It asserted that the revisions were approved by its members and followed legal protocols.
ECI rejects unilateral action charge against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, tells Supreme Court all three SIR orders were unanimous
The Election Commission of India filed a counter affidavit in the Supreme Court regarding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. It stated that decisions on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls were unanimous among members. Allegations that Kumar acted unilaterally are based solely on a news report, according to the affidavit.
Row over TMC, its symbol: Supreme Court grants 20 days to rival factions to file pleadings before EC
The Supreme Court has granted an additional 20 days for two factions of the All India Trinamool Congress. This extension allows both factions to finalize their pleadings before the Election Commission regarding the party name and election symbol. Previously, the Election Commission allotted different names and symbols to both factions due to an ongoing dispute.
'Trade secrets': What powers SIR's voter-roll checks? EC declines to reveal software details
The Election Commission has refused to disclose the software and algorithm details used to detect errors in voter rolls during the Special Intensive Revision, citing commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property rights. Responding to an RTI application, the poll body said no new software was developed or procured for the exercise.
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