SC Directs ECI to Publish 24 Lakh Deleted Names from Kerala Poll Rolls for Transparency

• The Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publicly display 24 lakh names removed from Kerala's draft electoral rolls.
• The directive aims to ensure transparency and allow affected citizens to be aware of their exclusion, with lists to be published on websites and public offices.
• The court's intervention follows criticism of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which saw large-scale deletions without adequate notice to voters.
• Petitioners from CPI(M), IUML, and Congress argued that 7% of Kerala's electorate was removed without proper opportunity for defense.
• The SC also asked the ECI to consider extending the deadline for filing claims and objections by at least two weeks, acknowledging public difficulties.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court mandates ECI to publish names of 24 lakh deleted Kerala voters, ensuring transparency and democratic inclusion.