The Battle for a Free Ballot: SIR, the Election Commission, and the Future of Indian Democracy

Join us for a talk with Kapil Sibal, Senior Advocate, Member of the Indian Parliament, and former Union Minister, as he examines the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its implications for Indian democracy.

Drawing on his pivotal role in the Indian Supreme Court proceedings, Mr. Sibal will provide a broad overview of the allegations of electoral irregularities that have sparked widespread protests and raised serious questions about the Election Commission's independence and accountability. He will reflect on the constitutional and political crises these developments raise concerning universal adult franchise, citizenship, institutional autonomy, and the integrity of India's electoral democracy. Mr. Sibal will also address the principal legal challenges to SIR, and the constitutional questions raised by the recent Rahul Gandhi v. Election Commission of India litigation. Together, these developments raise urgent questions about the future of democratic institutions, constitutional safeguards, and the protection of electoral rights in India.

Introductory remarks followed by Q&A.