New Delhi, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : Retired Justice Lokpal Singh has voiced his concerns regarding the ongoing protests by opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He emphasized the importance of not targeting constitutional institutions and stressed that no individual should be deprived of their right to vote.
In a conversation held in New Delhi, Singh raised alarms over the issue of illegal residents acquiring voter status. He questioned whether it is appropriate for unauthorized individuals to vote, suggesting that this could lead to disorder within the country. He urged that such matters should be thoroughly considered.
Singh also highlighted that several Bangladeshi nationals have been found living illegally in Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned why no action has been taken against them and whether they possess voter IDs or are benefiting from government schemes. These aspects require investigation, he argued.
Addressing the protests against the Election Commission, Singh remarked that targeting constitutional bodies is unwarranted. He acknowledged the freedom of speech in the country but expressed concern over the calls for the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and potentially Supreme Court judges following that.
Regarding a notice issued by the Supreme Court, Singh stated that issuing notices is part of a procedural framework. He noted that those whose names have been removed from voter lists have the right to appeal.
In response to complaints from tribunal judges in West Bengal, Singh advised that all judges appointed by the Supreme Court should present their grievances directly to the Court. He suggested that they seek guidance on the challenges they face, which could be technical in nature. He emphasized that judges may not be experts in the technicalities of system management, which could complicate their work.
Singh clarified that the right to vote is a legal right rather than a constitutional one. He stated that while it is often regarded as a constitutional right, it does not qualify as a fundamental right. He encouraged those removed from voter lists to apply to the Election Commission for reinstatement and to consider approaching the Supreme Court if necessary.
Lawyer Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who filed a petition in this matter, pointed out that the responsibility lies with the authority overseeing the situation, specifically the Election Commission. He stressed that it is the Commission’s duty to ensure voters are not deprived of their rights and to rectify any shortcomings. However, he expressed skepticism about the Commission’s ability to address these issues effectively, suggesting that voters may continue to face obstacles.
Tripathi noted that the Supreme Court had previously ordered the creation of a separate portal for High Courts, which led to the establishment of 19 tribunals. He expressed concern that if the portal is not functioning properly, it could halt the hearing of appeals.
He reported various technical difficulties with the portal, including issues with uploading documents and sending summons and notices. These ongoing problems have led to significant disruptions in the tribunal’s operations.
Leave a Comment