Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The Electoral Roll Observer for South Goa, Sandeep Jacques, IAS, appointed by the Election Commission of India, has asserted that the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is being carried out in a transparent manner, while underlining that citizens must adhere to established procedures when raising objections or complaints.
Addressing representatives of recognised political parties and election officials during his visit to South Goa on Tuesday, Jacques said that any individual who feels aggrieved by the actions of election authorities is entitled to pursue appropriate legal remedies, particularly if they believe a complaint lodged against them is false.
The meeting was attended by the District Election Officer (DEO), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and focused on issues arising from the SIR exercise.
During the interaction, Congress leader Savio Coutinho raised concerns over an FIR registered against him by the Margao police in connection with an alleged incident at the district library. Describing the complaint lodged by the Additional Collector-II as baseless, Coutinho claimed he had not visited the library for the past two months and questioned the circumstances under which the FIR was filed.
Responding to the issue, Jacques clarified that the registration of an FIR amounts to a complaint and does not imply that the person named has been held guilty. He said it is for the police to examine the veracity of the complaint and take a decision accordingly.
“At the same time, any citizen has the right to seek legal recourse if they believe a false complaint has been filed against them,” Jacques said.
He reiterated that while the SIR process is open and transparent, adherence to prescribed protocols is essential. If an authority believes there has been a lapse in duty, action may be initiated. However, if a complaint is found to be false, affected individuals are free to take legal action against the concerned authority, he added.
The observer emphasised that due process remains central to both the electoral revision exercise and the redressal of grievances arising from it.
