ECI
Maharashtra CEO suggested changes to SIR form to ease voter stress, BLO load; ECI ignored
Concerns were raised by the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra about the complexities surrounding the enumeration form requirements and logical inconsistencies within the process. Recommendations to simplify these procedures were presented to reduce the burden on voters, as well as booth-level officers. However, the Election Commission of India reportedly chose not to adopt these suggestions.
INDIA bloc’s ECI march today: Security stepped up as Opposition targets CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Security measures have been increased outside the Election Commission of India ahead of a planned protest by opposition MPs. The MPs will march to raise concerns regarding alleged irregularities in the electoral process and to demand transparency. Various leaders from the INDIA alliance, including Biju Janata Dal members, will participate in the protest. Congress representatives have emphasized peaceful demonstrations and ongoing district-level activities until October 8.
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Delhi traffic curbs as INDIA bloc marches to ECI; Connaught Place, Parliament Street affected
Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for traffic regulation during the upcoming march by INDIA bloc MPs. This march is aimed at protesting alleged electoral irregularities and demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Commuters are advised to avoid affected areas and consider using Metro or public transport. Security has been increased around key locations to maintain law and order during the protest.

‘Who modified Form 6?’ Opposition sharpens attack after SC query
Opposition parties have expressed significant concern regarding changes to voter registration forms by the Election Commission of India. Congress leader Pawan Khera emphasized that public outrage over these issues is palpable across the country. Clyde Crasto also raised questions about the legitimacy of changes made to Form 6, criticizing the Election Commission for misleading the public.

ECI took down September 26 press release after SC remarks? PIB factchecks CJP's Ashutosh Ranka's claim on form 6
The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has rejected a claim by CJP’s Ashutosh Ranka that the Election Commission of India removed its September 26 press note on Form 6 after the Supreme Court said it had not approved modified versions of the form. The ECI said the press note remains available on its website, keeping the removal claim at the centre of the fact-check.

Never approved modified Form 6 for voter enrolment: Supreme Court
The observation came from a three-member bench headed by CJI Kant during the hearing of a public interest litigation seeking action against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Frequent elections tilt spending away from capex, CEA tells JPC on simultaneous polls bills; economists back the idea
Gurumurthy has argued that frequent elections disrupt the federal structure and proposed simultaneous elections. Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran expressed support for the concept of "One Nation, One Election". He highlighted that this could enhance governance by minimizing time spent on campaigning. Several former Chief Justices have raised concerns about the powers proposed for the Election Commission of India.

INDIA Bloc MPs to march to ECI office today; Rahul: Gyanesh changing Form 6 established
On Tuesday, INDIA bloc MPs will stage a march towards the Election Commission of India, demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar. This follows previous protests regarding the SIR and alleged electoral misconduct. Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of tampering with Form 6 to tilt the scales in their favor.

Supreme Court seeks responses from CEC Gyanesh Kumar, ECI officials over plea on decision-making procedure
The Supreme Court has sought replies from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and officials of the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding their decision-making methods. Allegations of unilateral actions, stemming from a newspaper report, prompted the court's request. Highlighting the need for adherence to the proper statutory protocols, the court stated that decisions lacking majority consensus must be substantiated by the ECI.

"Modified Form 6 not approved by us": CJI observes on modified form for enrolling new voters
The Supreme Court asserted that it has not approved any modified version of Form 6 for voter enrollment. During a hearing, Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the importance of verifying who modified the form. Allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were also discussed, claiming he misrepresented court proceedings. The petition argued that the Election Commission's decisions should be made collectively, not unilaterally.

HC declines to pass urgent interim order staying voter deletion under SIR in Maharashtra
The Bombay High Court has decided not to intervene in the voter deletion issue in Maharashtra for now. While hearing a petition, the court referenced ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court that will address the matter. The petitioner alleged improper voter exclusions during recent enumeration activities conducted by the Election Commission of India. The high court has scheduled further hearings for three weeks in the future.

Any process disenfranchising millions of citizens is intrinsically arbitrary: SC Judge Ujjal Bhuyan
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan expressed concerns about disenfranchising millions of citizens without voting rights. He stated such actions are intrinsically arbitrary and undermine constitutional values. His statements were made during the NALSAR BRS Moot Court Competition. This comes amid scrutiny of the Election Commission of India, particularly regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Supreme Court recently upheld the ECI's process, affirming its constitutional validity.

SIR: CM DK Shivakumar hails ECI special drive to enrol voters claiming victory after dharna
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar welcomed the Election Commission of India's decision for a nationwide voter enrollment drive. This initiative aims to include left-out voters and first-time electors, ensuring their voting rights are protected. The Election Commission has directed various officials to compare electoral rolls and facilitate the registration process. Awareness campaigns will also be launched to engage communities and improve voter participation.

Goa: CEO says 88 of 97 left-out voters have filed Form 6, applications accepted
Goa's Chief Electoral Officer confirmed that most excluded voters have applied for inclusion in the electoral roll. Of the 97 excluded, 88 have filed Form 6, while three are Portuguese passport holders. Six others currently reside outside India and are being contacted by officials. A special drive will be launched to enroll left-out eligible and first-time voters in Goa.

Rahul Gandhi asks who ordered TCS to change Form 6, whether firm was pressured
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the Election Commission over changes to online Form 6, asking who ordered Tata Consultancy Services to implement them and who approved them at TCS. Gandhi also asked whether the company was pressured. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh separately alleged the changes were aimed at removing Gen Z voters.

Primary mandate of ECI to ensure citizens vote, says Bombay HC; 'people too can question SIR ordered after decades'
The Bombay High Court questioned the Election Commission's actions regarding the deletion of voter names. The court emphasized the need for continuous updates to electoral rolls instead of abrupt rejections. Citizens should have their applications kept in abeyance rather than outright rejected during the Special Intensive Revision process.

Karnataka CM Shivakumar stages dharna at ECI office, seeks FIR over bulk Form 7 filings
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar led a protest outside the Election Commission of India office in Bengaluru with his Cabinet. He accused the BJP of submitting numerous Form 7 applications to delete eligible voters from electoral rolls. Shivakumar highlighted that many targeted voters belonged to minority communities and other marginalized groups. He demanded a timely investigation into the allegations and requested immediate action from election officials.

Curative plea challenges SC's split verdict on poll panel appointment law
A curative petition has been filed in the Supreme Court amid challenges to the appointment of election commissioners. This petition questions a prior split verdict regarding the Election Commission of India's appointment process. The petitioners argue that the previous judgment raises fundamental issues about the independence of the Election Commission.

BJP hits out at Congress, asks main Opposition to introspect
Smriti Irani reiterated that ECI strengthens India's democratic framework and embodies the dignity of Indian democracy, a system admired and respected by many nations.

Supreme Court to hear plea against CEC Gyanesh Kumar next week
The plea, filed by Rakesh Kumar Singh, alleges that decisions were taken in the name of ECI without the approval of the other two election commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The matter was mentioned before a three-member bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for the petitioner, sought urgent listing of the plea.

ECI gets 3 months to decide TMC name and symbol dispute
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to decide within three months the dispute between rival All India Trinamool Congress factions over the party name, symbol and organisational control. The sides have four weeks to complete pleadings.

Siddaramaiah seeks CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s removal, independent probe into ECI
Congress Working Committee member Siddaramaiah on Saturday demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a criminal case against him and an independent probe into the Election Commission of India.

TMC name-symbol row: Supreme Court asks ECI for timeline
The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India to provide a realistic timeframe for resolving a party dispute. Rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress are contesting over the party's name and election symbol. The court emphasised that proceedings should not be prolonged indefinitely and suggested daily hearings.

Delhi HC asks ECI to decide Akhand Karni Party's registration plea within four weeks
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to treat as a representation a plea seeking registration of the Akhand Karni Party and decide it within a time frame, preferably four weeks.

Differences among ECs part of democratic deliberations, says BJP
BJP has defended the Election Commission of India and emphasized its democratic functioning in recent reports. The party highlighted diverse opinions among election commissioners during official discussions as a positive aspect. They argued that this behavior contrasts sharply with opposition claims of a dictatorial poll panel. The statements from BJP reinforce the notion that ECI upholds democratic principles effectively.
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