Kerala Government Approaches Supreme Court Seeking Postponement of SIR

New Delhi: Since the processes for the local body elections are underway in the state, the government of Kerala has approached the Supreme Court seeking to postpone the SIR. Chief Secretary Dr. Jayathilak filed the plea on behalf of the state government.

The petition argues that deploying officials simultaneously for both the local body elections and the voters’ list revision is affecting the day-to-day functioning of the government and could lead to administrative paralysis. Completing the local body elections by December 21 is a constitutional obligation. For election duties, 1.76 lakh officials and 68,000 police personnel have been deployed. Additionally, 25,668 officials have been assigned for the SIR. This dual deployment is impacting government operations, the petition states.

Earlier, the government had approached the High Court regarding the SIR. After hearing the arguments of both the state government and the Central Election Commission, Justice V. G. Arun advised that approaching the Supreme Court would be appropriate.

Recently, a booth level officer in Kannur, died by suicide. His family cited the work load and pressure to finish SIR as a reason for his death.