By Our Legal Correspondent
Hyderabad: Justice Pulla Karthik of the Telangana High Court on Wednesday questioned the Election Commission of India (ECI) over its decision to distribute Enumeration Forms only in Telugu in districts outside the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, observing that the concerns raised by the petitioner require serious consideration.
The observations came in a writ petition filed by social activist M.A. Mujeeb Ayyub challenging the practice of printing and distributing physical Enumeration Forms exclusively in Telugu outside GHMC limits. The petitioner contended that the policy effectively excludes non-Telugu speaking voters, including linguistic minorities, migrant workers and students educated under central boards.
Senior Counsel V. Raghunath, appearing for the petitioner, argued that restricting English forms to GHMC areas was arbitrary and irrational, as rural Telangana also has a sizeable non-Telugu speaking population. He contended that voters cannot be expected to rely on Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for translated forms and that accessible forms are a matter of right.
During the hearing, the Court observed that many youngsters educated in central boards may not be able to understand legal forms printed only in Telugu and asked the Election Commission how such a policy could be justified.
Counsel for the Election Commission submitted that the arrangement was evolved after consultations with political parties and the Chief Electoral Officer and pointed out that the SIR exercise covers nearly 3.5 crore voters and that the forms have already been printed.
It was also submitted that English, Telugu and Urdu forms are available online and that physical copies in other languages can be supplied upon request. Not satisfied with the explanation, the Court observed that the issue raised by the petitioner warrants consideration and indicated that it may examine the legality of the policy if the grievance is not addressed. At the request of the Election Commission, the matter was adjourned till Monday.
