SC Forwards Plea for Time-Stamping VVPAT Slips to ECI to Address 'Last-Hour Vote Surge' Concerns

ECI Allocates Symbols Under Symbols Order 1968: TMC Split Triggers Para 15 Dispute Resolution

The Election Commission's power to allocate symbols and resolve intra-party disputes is a core UPSC topic. This article covers the Symbols Order 1968, how symbols are reserved/free, and the recent TMC split case. It also connects to the appointment of ECs (Article 324, 2023 Act, SC split verdict), making it high-yield for both Prelims and Mains.

CEC Removal Procedure Matches SC Judge; 2023 Act Appointment Panel Challenged Under Anoop Baranwal

Opposition demands CEC removal after leaked objections. CEC removal requires special majority in both Houses (same as SC judge), making it politically difficult. Meanwhile, the 2023 Act for appointing CEC/ECs, which replaced CJI with a Cabinet Minister, faces a split verdict in the Supreme Court. This touches Article 324, the Anoop Baranwal judgment, and independence of the Election Commission.

TN Withdraws RTI Exemption for Law and Order Dept Under Section 24(4); 2,000+ Citizens Seek CJI Intervention on SIR

Tamil Nadu government withdrew its controversial order exempting the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act after widespread backlash. Separately, over 2,000 citizens have written to the Chief Justice of India to stay the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and initiate suo motu proceedings against the Election Commission's conduct.

Election Commission's SIR Deletes 13 Crore Names from Draft Rolls; Raises Questions on Population & Voting Rights

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to the deletion of 13 crore names from draft rolls, including nearly one-third of Delhi's electorate. This article by a former Chief Election Commissioner uses satire to highlight the absurdity of treating electoral roll deletions as a solution to India's population problem, while drawing parallels with the Assam NRC and warning of potential disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

EC Data: 22.21 Lakh West Bengal Excluded Voters Filed SIR Appeals in SC

The Election Commission revealed in the Supreme Court that over 22.21 lakh voters excluded during West Bengal's electoral roll revision have appealed their removal. This case is crucial for understanding the EC's powers, electoral roll accuracy, and the judicial oversight of election processes—key topics for UPSC Polity and State PSC exams.

SC Urges West Bengal Speaker to Decide Disqualification Petitions by Oct 8 Under Tenth Schedule

The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal Assembly Speaker to decide disqualification petitions against 10 rebel MLAs by October 8, reinforcing the 'reasonable time' principle from the Keisham Meghachandra Singh judgment. This case highlights the tension between Speaker-led adjudication under the Tenth Schedule and the EC's interim orders, a recurring theme in anti-defection law.

Telangana's Khairatabad Seat Vacant After Danam Nagender Disqualified Under Anti-Defection Law

The Telangana Legislative Assembly has officially notified the disqualification of BRS MLA Danam Nagender from the Khairatabad constituency after the Supreme Court upheld the High Court order under anti-defection law. The seat is now vacant, and the Election Commission will announce a by-election schedule.

SC Split Verdict: Minister Replacing CJI in CEC Selection Panel Fails Perception Test

Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta, in a split verdict, held that replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister in the Prime Minister-led selection panel for the CEC and ECs fails the 'perception test' and gives the Executive an 'effective veto'. The case has been referred to a Constitution Bench for an authoritative ruling on the legality of the 2023 Act.