EC Plans Pan-India Revision of Voter Rolls
The Election Commission of India has decided to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across all states and union territories. The decision follows a similar exercise already conducted in Bihar.
Announcement and Rationale
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the pan-India SIR is “a work in progress.” The EC will announce the exact dates after consultations. The revision is intended to clean up voter lists by removing duplicates, deceased persons, and entries from non-citizens. In Bihar’s version, approximately 69 lakh voters were deleted from the list.
Legal Backing
The Supreme Court has clarified that conducting SIR is the exclusive prerogative of the Election Commission and that judicial directives commanding it would amount to interference. The court asked the EC to prepare data on deletions and additions in Bihar and submit it for review.
Challenges and Criticism
The Bihar SIR process drew controversy over the large number of deletions and fears of disenfranchisement of migrant and marginalized voters. Critics have urged stronger safeguards and transparency in the pan-India rollout. The EC must manage objections, verify deletions, and ensure eligible voters are not unfairly excluded.
Way Forward
A national SIR could strengthen the integrity of electoral rolls if implemented carefully. Authorities will need to communicate clearly, allow claims and objections, and adhere to due process across diverse regions.
