Demolition actions in Gujarat during SIR violate ECI Norms, says representation

By A Representative 

A representation has been submitted to Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer Hareet Shukla seeking the immediate suspension of eviction and demolition drives being carried out by various local authorities across the State during the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The appeal cites the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines that prohibit demolition or eviction activities during the revision period to ensure voters are not disenfranchised. The representation has been filed by Mujahid Nafees, Convener, Minority Coordination Committee.

The letter, dated December 8, 2025, highlights that despite ECI directives issued on October 27 for twelve States, including Gujarat, demolitions are being conducted in several regions such as Kutch, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Bhavnagar and Morbi. It states that a demolition drive was carried out last night in the Meethaport area near Kandla Port in Kutch, resulting in the displacement of nearly 3,000 residents who are registered voters.

The representation argues that such actions violate the constitutional right to vote under Article 326 and the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which restrict voting only to those whose names are currently included in the electoral roll. It states that disruptions to the ordinary residence of electors during the SIR process will render corresponding electoral roll segments defective and may prevent displaced citizens from voting, particularly when relocated outside their constituency.

It further notes that conducting elections based on defective rolls risks mass disenfranchisement and opens the possibility of fraudulent voting in the names of displaced electors. The request urges the CEO to ensure compliance with ECI directions that require temporary suspension of demolition and eviction activities during the SIR period, except those mandated by court orders or government decisions, which must be reported to the ECI with details and rehabilitation plans.

The representation calls for strict action against officials who carried out such demolition drives without prior approval from the Election Commission. Copies of the communication have also been sent to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and to the Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat.