DMK Moves Supreme Court Against SIR, Calls It a De Facto NRC 
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the Election Commission’s (ECI) decision to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu. The ruling party has described the move as unconstitutional and has termed it a “de facto National Register of Citizens (NRC).”
Background of the Case
The Election Commission announced the SIR of electoral rolls for Tamil Nadu on October 27, 2025, stating that the exercise aimed to ensure the accuracy of voter lists ahead of upcoming elections. However, the DMK has alleged that the process is unnecessary, arbitrary, and potentially discriminatory.
According to the DMK’s petition, the state already underwent a Special Summary Revision (SSR) earlier in the year, which updated the electoral database. The party contends that ordering another large-scale revision so soon violates established procedures under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
DMK’s Legal Arguments
In its plea before the Supreme Court, the DMK has raised several constitutional and legal concerns:
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The SIR lacks statutory authority and has been initiated without a proper legal basis.
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The verification procedures outlined by the ECI impose unnecessary documentary requirements on citizens, resembling a citizenship verification process rather than a voter roll update.
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The petition asserts that the move infringes upon Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality, freedom, and the right to life and liberty.
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The DMK has warned that the exercise could result in large-scale disenfranchisement, particularly affecting marginalised communities and those with limited access to documents.
The party’s petition claims that the ECI’s actions effectively convert the voter verification process into a citizenship check, which lies outside the Commission’s mandate. The DMK argues that such powers rest solely with the Union government under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Political Reactions
Following a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, a resolution was passed by an all-party coalition of 44 political organisations supporting the legal challenge. The coalition agreed that the SIR undermines the democratic rights of voters and risks reintroducing elements of the NRC, which has faced widespread opposition in Tamil Nadu and other states.
Stalin criticised the Election Commission’s decision, calling it a “targeted and unnecessary move” that could destabilise the electoral process. He asserted that Tamil Nadu has always maintained transparent voter rolls through regular updates and that the new exercise raises serious concerns about its intent.
Implications of the Petition
If the Supreme Court grants relief, the SIR process in Tamil Nadu could be suspended or cancelled, impacting preparations for upcoming elections. The case may also set an important precedent for how voter roll revisions are handled across the country.
Legal experts believe the petition highlights a broader question of electoral accountability and federal balance. The issue underscores the need for clear legal frameworks governing voter roll revisions to avoid ambiguity and misuse of authority.
Next Steps
The Supreme Court is expected to take up the DMK’s petition for hearing in the coming days. Notices may be issued to the Election Commission and the Union government seeking their responses. The Court’s decision will likely determine whether the SIR can proceed in its current form.
Conclusion
The DMK’s move against the Special Intensive Revision marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over electoral transparency and citizens’ rights. By labelling the process a “de facto NRC,” the party has brought to the forefront concerns about administrative overreach and the protection of democratic participation. The Supreme Court’s verdict will play a crucial role in defining the limits of electoral roll verification and safeguarding the integrity of India’s electoral system.
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