New Delhi, May 28 -- The Supreme Court has upheld the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, ruling that the poll body is empowered under the Constitution to undertake verification of electoral rolls.

The court observed that the credibility and accuracy of electoral rolls are essential for ensuring free and fair elections. It noted that the SIR mechanism provides sufficient procedural safeguards, including notice, hearing, objections, reasoned orders and appeal provisions.

The apex court clarified that a person's inclusion in electoral rolls does not prevent subsequent verification. It also stated that the Election Commission may examine citizenship only for the limited purpose of deciding eligibility for inclu...