SIR: Kerala Assembly passes resolution seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

The Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raising concerns over the Election Commission's impartiality.

Chief Minister VD Satheesan, who moved the resolution, called for the restoration of voting rights for eligible voters who were allegedly removed from electoral rolls. The resolution also sought proceedings to remove Kumar and proposed changes to the committee responsible for appointing the CEC and Election Commissioners.

Describing the move as a historic step, Satheesan said concerns over voter exclusions and the Election Commission's neutrality could not be ignored.


The Assembly proposed that the appointment panel for Election Commissioners comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India, arguing that this structure would strengthen the poll body's independence.

The resolution stated that the alleged exclusion of eligible voters raised serious concerns about democratic rights and the integrity of the electoral process. It claimed that lakhs of voters were removed from electoral rolls during the SIR exercise without prior notice.

It also expressed concern that marginalised communities, minorities, migrant workers and young voters could be disproportionately affected and risk losing their voting rights.

The resolution also questioned the use of software systems in preparing electoral rolls, alleging that the powers of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) had been bypassed. It also alleged that changes to Form 6, used for voter enrolment, were made in violation of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.