SIR: Kerala local body poll-related work not affected, SEC tells SC; ECI seeks plea rejection with fine

New Delhi: The works related to Kerala’s local body elections are proceeding without disruption, the State Election Commission (SEC) has informed the Supreme Court in response to the state’s plea seeking a deferment of the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Kerala had argued that conducting SIR alongside local elections could trigger an administrative crisis. The Supreme Court had sought clarification from the poll panel on the issue.

Election work continues uninterrupted

The SEC confirmed that all required staff and resources are available for the polls. The commission, through its secretary, stated that election activities are continuing smoothly across Kerala. Regular reviews are being held to ensure that processes stay on schedule, and no district electoral officer has reported staff shortages.

Officials engaged in local elections have been kept separate from SIR-related duties, the SEC added, ensuring that election work remains unaffected.

The SEC confirmed that Kerala’s chief secretary has pledged all necessary assistance, including personnel, for the elections. The state police chief has also promised full support to maintain law and order during the process.

While reporting smooth election operations, the SEC requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure that SIR activities do not interfere with ongoing local body elections.

ECI insists SIR cannot be halted

In its affidavit, the ECI maintained that SIR operations cannot be suspended. The commission suggested that Kerala’s plea should be dismissed with a fine.

The ECI also clarified that the recent death of a Booth Level Officer (BLO) during SIR work was not due to work pressure. It reaffirmed that both SIR operations and local body elections can be conducted simultaneously without any issues.