The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has condemned the Delhi Police crackdown on protesters who gathered on October 10 to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party accused authorities of restricting public movement, detaining protesters and creating barriers to peaceful assembly. It demanded Kumar’s resignation, the repeal of the Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and the cancellation of SIR exercises found to have been conducted unlawfully.
The party also called for fresh elections in Bihar, West Bengal and other states where electoral rolls are found to have been materially affected by unlawful procedures, subject to appropriate legal scrutiny.
SDPI Calls Police Action an Attack on Democratic Rights
The SDPI said the restrictions imposed ahead of the protest raised serious concerns about freedom of expression and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“Instead of listening to citizens raising legitimate questions about electoral transparency and accountability, the authorities chose intimidation, restrictions and mass detentions,” the party said.
It argued that democracy was not limited to holding elections but also required protecting citizens’ right to question institutions responsible for conducting them.
The party compared the restrictions to the curbs imposed during the Emergency, saying peaceful protesters should not be treated as a threat simply for demanding accountability.
The SDPI also referred to concerns raised by the Supreme Court over restrictions affecting Delhi’s Metro and railway services, arguing that security measures must remain proportionate and should not impose unnecessary hardship on the public.
Party Questions Election Commission’s SIR Decisions
The SDPI called for an independent investigation into allegations surrounding the Election Commission’s handling of the SIR exercise, including claims that significant decisions were taken without adequate consultation among the three Election Commissioners.
The party said the Election Commission’s collective decision-making process and compliance with applicable legal requirements needed transparent scrutiny.
It argued that any directions or decisions found to be unlawful should be annulled and that SIR exercises should be cancelled wherever violations of the law are established.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing over the revision exercise. The SDPI maintained that concerns over voter exclusions, verification procedures, documentation requirements and appeals mechanisms required an independent examination.
The party said eligible voters should not lose their right to participate in elections because of administrative failures or unlawful procedures.
SDPI Demands Repeal of Election Commissioners Act, 2023
The party also demanded the repeal of the Election Commissioners Act, 2023, and the introduction of a more independent and transparent mechanism for appointing and holding the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners accountable.
Under the current law, the selection committee comprises the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. The Chief Justice of India is not part of the committee.
The SDPI argued that the appointment framework raised concerns about executive influence over an institution responsible for overseeing elections. It also questioned provisions concerning protection from legal proceedings for official acts.
The party said the Election Commission must demonstrate impartiality, transparency and accountability to maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
Calls for Fresh Elections Where Irregularities Are Established
The SDPI demanded that Assembly elections in Bihar, West Bengal and other states conducted using electoral rolls affected by unlawful procedures be annulled and fresh elections held after a lawful and transparent revision of the rolls.
The party said any election found to have been materially affected by unlawful electoral roll procedures should undergo appropriate legal scrutiny, with corrective measures taken where warranted.
It called on the government and the Election Commission to address concerns over SIR rather than dismiss criticism or restrict those demanding accountability.
The statement concluded with an appeal to political organisations, student groups, workers, youth and civil society organisations to unite in defence of voting rights and democratic freedoms.
The SDPI said it would continue to support peaceful protests, public mobilisation and constitutional advocacy, reiterating its demands for Kumar’s resignation, repeal of the 2023 law and accountability over alleged electoral irregularities.
