Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Protests erupted demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in electoral roll revision. The Supreme Court intervened, ordering the cessation of illegal detentions and restoration of internet and metro services.
Key points
- Protests organised by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups demanding CEC's resignation.
- Allegations of illegal detention of protesters and restrictions on essential services like metro and internet.
- Supreme Court directed against illegal detention of peaceful gatherings and ordered restoration of services.
- Court also directed that lawyers and journalists should not be impeded in their professional duties.
- Delhi Police registered 20 FIRs, including charges of assault on police personnel.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Recent allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have led to public outcry and protests.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Supreme Court's intervention was in response to a plea alleging violation of its earlier order concerning restrictions on metro and train services.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Appointment and working of ECI, Fundamental Rights (Article 19), Separation of Powers, Judicial Review.
Why in news?
A new Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) has been appointed to the ECI, filling a vacancy. This appointment comes amid existing concerns regarding work allocation and hierarchy within the commission, particularly involving the IT department.
Key points
- Prakash Rajpurohit appointed as DEC, filling the vacancy left by Sanjay Kumar.
- Concerns raised over work allocation and routing of files, especially for the IT department head.
- Previous issues noted regarding files of Dr. Seema Khanna not being routed through DEC Sanjay Kumar.
- Dr. Khanna heads the IT department and oversees digital infrastructure for electoral rolls.
- The appointment is crucial for the functioning and clarity of roles within the ECI.
Background & context
The Election Commission of India has a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. Deputy Election Commissioners assist them in their functions. The ECI is also responsible for maintaining electoral rolls and managing IT systems for elections.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Sanjay Kumar, the previous DEC in charge of Electoral Rolls and IT, was repatriated prematurely.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Constitutional bodies, Election Commission of India, Administrative structure and functioning.
Why in news?
Telangana's Transport Minister has challenged the BJP State president to provide evidence of voters who claim to have lost their voting rights during electoral roll revision. Allegations suggest disproportionate deletion of votes from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities.
Key points
- Minister challenges BJP to produce voters who lost voting rights.
- Allegations of disproportionate deletion of votes from specific communities.
- Claims of large-scale vote deletion nationally and in Telangana.
- Demand for Election Commission to disclose the number of deleted votes.
- Emphasis on correcting errors in electoral rolls and protecting voting rights.
Background & context
The revision of electoral rolls is a continuous process to ensure accuracy. However, concerns about systematic deletion of eligible voters, particularly from marginalized communities, have been raised in various states.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Telangana Transport Minister claimed that nearly 40 lakh votes were lost in the State capital and 70 lakh across Telangana during the revision.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity - Electoral process, Electoral reforms, Representation of People's Act, Vulnerable sections.