SIR Case: Supreme Court Grants Time to Petitioners, Next Hearing Likely on November 17

The Supreme Court has concluded its hearing on petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, with the next hearing tentatively expected on November 17. During the proceedings, the petitioners sought 10 days to examine and respond to the affidavit filed by the Election Commission of India. The commission’s response was reportedly submitted late the previous night, leaving the petitioners with limited time to review its contents. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for lead petitioner Rakesh Kumar Singh, requested additional time to prepare a reply to the affidavit. The court granted the request, allowing the petitioners time to submit their response. During the hearing, the Election Commission’s counsel informed the court that the commission had filed its response to only one petition, while around nine to ten other petitions concerning the matter were also pending. The Supreme Court directed the commission to file responses to those petitions as well, permitting it to submit similar replies or additional affidavits as considered appropriate. With the Diwali vacation approaching, the court indicated that the next hearing would likely take place on November 17. However, the exact date will be confirmed once the written order is issued, and the hearing could potentially be scheduled for November 18 or 19 instead. The case concerns multiple petitions challenging the SIR process and the Election Commission’s actions. The upcoming proceedings will allow the petitioners to respond to the commission’s submissions while the commission prepares replies to the remaining petitions. For now, November 17 remains the tentative date being discussed for the next hearing, pending formal confirmation by the Supreme Court.