Kerala SIR: SC’s next hearing on Dec 2; EC says no need to defer process

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has opposed in the Supreme Court the Kerala government’s request for an immediate postponement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) proceedings in the state, arguing that the demand has no legal basis.

In an affidavit filed before the court, the Commission stated that only the Election Commission has the authority to seek judicial intervention if any obstacle arises during the election process. It added that election-related matters fall exclusively within the Commission’s jurisdiction and that, at present, SIR procedures and local body election preparations are not interfering with each other. District collectors are said to be extending full cooperation.

The Commission has therefore urged the Supreme Court not to halt the SIR proceedings under any circumstance.

The state government had sought a postponement on the grounds that the SIR would clash with upcoming local elections. In its writ petition, the Chief Secretary argued that conducting both simultaneously would paralyse the administrative machinery and lead to a governance crisis.

The bench directed the Election Commission of India to file a status report on the Special Intensive Revision process in Kerala by next Monday, December 1. The matter will be taken up again on December 2. The bench also sought an affidavit from the State Election Commission, following a request by Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi.