Bombay HC 'Very Perturbed' Over Goa Electoral Roll Deletions Without Hearing

The Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday sharply criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for deleting names from draft electoral rolls without providing affected individuals a hearing. The court stated it was 'very perturbed' by the practice and questioned the legal provisions that empower the ECI to carry out such deletions without due process.

The bench's remarks came during a hearing on a petition challenging the deletions in Goa. The court specifically asked the ECI to explain the statutory basis for removing names from the draft roll without giving voters an opportunity to be heard. The observation underscores growing judicial scrutiny over electoral roll revisions ahead of upcoming polls.

The court's intervention could have significant implications for the ECI's roll revision procedures across the country, potentially forcing a more transparent and participatory process. The ECI is expected to respond to the court's queries in the next hearing. The development is being closely watched by political parties and civil society groups concerned about voter disenfranchisement.