Kerala IUML Approaches Supreme Court Against SIR, Cites BLO Suicide and Clash With Local Body Polls

IUML approaches the Supreme Court seeking a halt to Kerala's SIR process, citing a BLO suicide and overlap with local body elections.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has moved the Supreme Court seeking an immediate halt to the State Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Kerala, alleging that the ongoing exercise violates constitutional norms, places undue pressure on government staff, and interferes with the scheduled local body elections.

The petition has been filed by IUML national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty, challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to extend the SIR process to the state.

IUML Questions Timing of SIR Amid Local Body Elections

According to the petition, the SIR exercise—scheduled between November 4 and December 4, 2025—directly overlaps with the Kerala local body election schedule.

The State Election Commission issued its notification for the polls on November 11, putting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) into force.

Key election dates:

• Polling Phase 1: December 9, 2025

• Polling Phase 2: December 11, 2025

• Counting: December 13, 2025

IUML argues that continuing SIR while MCC is active is a violation of both constitutional provisions and free and fair election protocols. The party claims that the ECI’s decision “compromises the integrity of the upcoming electoral process.”

BLO Suicide Cited as Evidence of Pressure and Haste

A central point in IUML’s petition is the recent suicide of Booth Level Officer (BLO) Aneesh George, which has sparked political and administrative debate across Kerala.

The party states that the death reflects the:

• Excessive workload placed on BLOs

• Pressure to complete SIR within a short timeframe

• “Undue haste” in implementing the revision process

IUML claims the tragedy underscores the need for immediate judicial intervention.

IUML Alleges Ulterior Motives Behind SIR Timeline

The petition asserts that the timing and structure of the SIR exercise are “loaded with ulterior motives,” suggesting the possibility of political interference or manipulation ahead of the polls.

IUML argues that:

• Conducting SIR during election season may influence voter rolls

• The revision could lead to administrative confusion

• Election staff are being burdened with overlapping duties

The party insists that voter list revision should not coincide with active electoral processes.

What IUML Seeks From the Supreme Court

The petition requests interim relief, including:

• A stay order on the Election Commission of India’s notification extending SIR to Kerala

• Instructions to ECI to suspend all SIR-related activities in the state

• Protection of existing electoral procedures for local body polls

IUML argues that delaying SIR is essential to ensure a fair and smooth election environment.

ECI Yet to Respond

As of now, the Election Commission of India has not issued an official response to the petition. However, the matter is expected to be taken up urgently due to the approaching election dates and heightened political sensitivity in the state.