A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India demanding that Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar be subjected to police investigation and trial like an “ordinary accused.”

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The plea, moved by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi and represented by Chand Qureshi, argues that allegations against Kumar — including tampering with electoral rolls and manipulating records — cannot be considered part of his official duties. The petition cites Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), claiming the charges amount to cognisable offences.

The petition stresses that the issue touches the foundation of India’s constitutional democracy, free and fair elections, and the independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI). It asserts that acts such as forgery or subversion of the electoral process must be treated as criminal misconduct, not protected official functions.

The case stems from allegations raised in an investigative newspaper report, which suggested irregularities in the handling of voter rolls. The plea calls for evidence gathering, police inquiry, and a regular trial to ensure accountability.

This development adds to the growing controversy surrounding the Election Commission, with opposition parties already demanding reforms and transparency in electoral processes.