SC Stays Uttarakhand HC Order Asking If ADM Who Can't Speak English Was Fit To Be Electoral Officer

The Supreme Court has stayed an Uttarakhand High Court order questioning whether an Additional District Magistrate (ADM), who cannot speak English, can effectively hold an executive post. 

The High Court had asked the State Election Commissioner and Chief Secretary to review the officer’s suitability after he responded in Hindi during a hearing related to the use of family registers for finalising panchayat electoral rolls. 

The court also flagged the use of family registers as the sole basis for voter rolls, citing a lack of statutory backing. The Supreme Court issued notice on the State’s appeal and stayed the High Court’s directions.