New Delhi, October 28: The Supreme Court has raised questions over the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi, particularly the exclusion of around 43 lakh voters from the draft list and the requirement for existing voters to submit Form 6.
The court questioned why people whose names were already on the electoral roll were being asked to fill Form 6, which is primarily intended for first-time voter registration.
According to reports, around 43 lakh names were excluded from Delhi’s draft electoral roll on grounds including relocation or absence. The court expressed concern over the treatment of voters who may have temporarily been away from their homes or may not have received enumeration forms.
The bench observed that voters who have simply changed their residence should ordinarily be able to use Form 8 to update their details, rather than apply as first-time voters through Form 6. It also questioned whether temporary absence from home for work should be treated as permanent relocation.
During the hearing, the Election Commission told the court that it would consider extending the deadline for accepting applications to include names in the electoral roll. The commission said it would take steps to ensure that no eligible voter was left out.
The court also stressed that the ECI should proactively reach voters, particularly migrant workers, street vendors and daily-wage earners, instead of placing the entire responsibility on individuals. It highlighted the need to make lists of excluded voters easily accessible and explain the consequences in clear language.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for two weeks later.
