EC Refutes Form 6 Changes Amid SC Scrutiny & Political Firestorm
EC Refutes Form 6 Changes Amid SC Scrutiny & Political Firestorm
Election Commission clarifies Form 6 wasn't modified, only a declaration added, countering SC observations & Rahul Gandhi's accusations. Get the full story!
The Election Commission (EC) has found itself at the center of a new controversy, firmly clarifying that there have been no modifications to 'Form 6,' the crucial document used for voter registration. Instead, officials state that only an additional declaration form was introduced, not a change to Form 6 itself.
This clarification comes after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's observation regarding the approval of a modified Form 6. The issue has also drawn political attention, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly accusing the Chief Election Commissioner of making illegal changes to the form.
The Election Commission has strongly denied these accusations, directing attention to a previous press note for detailed clarification.
The Supreme Court has taken note of the ongoing debate. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Bagchi and Mohana has sought responses from the Election Commission, the Centre, the Chief Election Commissioner, and the other two election commissioners. The court aims to examine whether the poll panel's statutory procedures were followed in this matter.
While considering the controversy, the Supreme Court bench explicitly refused to pass an immediate order seeking the suspension of the Chief Election Commissioner. Justice Joymalya Bagchi also weighed in on the discussion, noting that post-retirement immunity for a CEC is not equivalent to that provided to judges. “A protection when in office is always understood.
But the 'was' in the provision is perhaps only protection with regard to the President.
It does not apply even to judges...
Look at the Judges Inquiry Act,” Justice Bagchi commented, highlighting the legal nuances surrounding the office.
The clarification from the EC underscores its stance that while an addition was made, the core 'Form 6' itself remains unaltered. This ongoing development will likely continue to be a significant point of discussion in legal and political circles as the Supreme Court proceeds with its inquiry.
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