Catholic Sabha, Other Catholic Organisations Submit Memorandum to DC Over SIR Concerns
Mangaluru: The Catholic Sabha and several other Catholic organisations have submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, seeking urgent intervention over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The representation has also raised serious concerns regarding the functioning and accountability of the Election Commission of India (ECI), including observations made against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Addressed to the President of India through the Deputy Commissioner, the memorandum alleges that the revision exercise may have resulted in the possible exclusion of eligible voters and discrepancies in electoral rolls. The organisations have called for transparency, accountability and strict adherence to constitutional and legal safeguards in the preparation and revision of voter lists.
According to the memorandum, the Election Commission of India, as a constitutional body, bears a fundamental responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process. The organisations stressed that the credibility of Indian democracy depends on the Commission’s impartiality, transparency and independence, and that every eligible citizen must be allowed a fair opportunity to exercise the right to vote without discrimination, arbitrariness or fear of exclusion.
Concerns Over the Revision Process
While acknowledging that the removal of duplicate and ineligible entries is a legitimate administrative function, the organisations said such an exercise must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Constitution, electoral laws and the principles of natural justice.
The memorandum refers to concerns raised by political representatives, citizens and other stakeholders regarding alleged discrepancies in voter lists, the possibility of wrongful deletions and the adequacy of procedures adopted during the revision process. It states that every deletion must be properly verified, supported by recorded reasons, and accompanied by an effective opportunity for affected voters to seek correction or restoration of their names.
Failure to observe these safeguards, the organisations warned, could disenfranchise eligible citizens and weaken public confidence in the electoral system.
Questions of Accountability
The representation also refers to judicial scrutiny of the SIR process. Citing developments reportedly noted on October 6, 2026, it says the Supreme Court of India sought clarification from the Election Commission over allegations that significant decisions related to the revision exercise had been taken unilaterally by the Chief Election Commissioner.
According to the memorandum, such developments highlight the need for collective institutional responsibility, transparency and compliance with established legal procedures. The organisations have called for a thorough and impartial examination of the issues, while cautioning that allegations against constitutional officeholders must be evaluated only on the basis of evidence and in accordance with law.
Public Confidence and Electoral Integrity
Referring to protests and public demonstrations over the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission, the memorandum says growing public concern requires a constructive institutional response. It also mentions a protest reportedly held in New Delhi on October 10, demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over allegations linked to the electoral revision process.
The organisations emphasised that the proper response to such concerns is transparency, impartial verification and accountability. They reiterated that citizens must continue to have confidence in the independence of the electoral machinery and in the protection of their constitutional and legal rights, irrespective of political affiliation.
“The credibility of an election begins with the credibility of the electoral roll,” the memorandum states, adding that electoral rolls must be prepared and revised in a manner that ensures fairness, accuracy, transparency and equal treatment.
Key Demands
The organisations have urged the competent constitutional authorities to consider the following measures:
- Independent inquiry: A probe into alleged irregularities in the SIR process, including discrepancies in electoral data, wrongful deletions and procedural lapses.
- Review of conduct: An impartial examination of allegations concerning the functioning and decision-making of the Chief Election Commissioner.
- Protection of eligible voters: Measures to ensure no qualified elector is wrongfully excluded and that effective mechanisms exist for correction and restoration of names.
- Greater transparency: Publication of verifiable data on additions, deletions, objections and disposal of voter grievances, subject to legal safeguards.
- Accountability for violations: Appropriate disciplinary, administrative or legal action if misconduct or abuse of authority is established.
- Protection of institutional independence: Steps to preserve the credibility and impartiality of the Election Commission.
- Safeguarding democratic rights: Reforms to ensure future revision exercises are transparent, communicative and grievance friendly.
Call to Uphold Democratic Values
In its concluding appeal, the memorandum urges that legitimate concerns over the electoral roll be addressed promptly, transparently and impartially. It further states that allegations against constitutional functionaries must be examined objectively and strictly in accordance with law.
The organisations have requested the President to consider the matter seriously and facilitate appropriate action through the competent constitutional authorities, so that the facts are established, any proven wrongdoing is addressed, and public faith in India’s democratic institutions is preserved.
