Lawyers’ group announces independent panel of ex-judges to enquire into SIR aftermath
A group of lawyers has formed an independent panel of former judges to investigate the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The panel aims to assess the constitutional validity and impact of the exercise on eligible voters.
Why it matters
This highlights concerns regarding electoral integrity and the role of independent oversight in democratic processes.
A lawyers’ group issued a statement on Friday (October 2, 2026) announcing the constitution of an independent panel of former Supreme Court and High Court judges to enquire into growing concerns raised by citizens regarding the design, implementation, and consequences of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls undertaken by the Election Commission.
The Lawyers Association for Constitution (LAFC) said the five-member panel would be chaired by former apex court judge, Justice Madan B. Lokur, and comprise retired Supreme Court judge, Justice A.K. Patnaik; Justice Badar Durrez Ahmad, former Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court; and former High Court judges Rekha Sharma and Anjana Prakash.
ALSO WATCH “Losing faith in elections”: Ground zero at Jantar Mantar’s massive Oct 2 protest
The panel would independently evaluate the “constitutional and statutory validity, methodology, and overall impact of the SIR exercise on eligible voters”.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in