Electoral Roll Revision Process Flawed, Raises Concerns About Voter Inclusion
Special Intensive Revision process raises concerns about voter deletions and constitutionality.
Editorial Analysis
The editorial argues that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for electoral rolls was flawed, leading to a high number of voter deletions, particularly affecting women and migrant voters. It criticizes the Election Commission of India (ECI) for implementing a process with structural defects and the Supreme Court for not intervening to ensure a more robust and inclusive enumeration method. The editorial advocates for a more thorough, household-by-household count to ensure universal adult franchise.
Main Arguments:
- The SIR process resulted in a high number of voter deletions in states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh.
- Deletions were disproportionately higher for female electors than male electors, indicating structural defects in the SIR process.
- The registered adult population in the final rolls is much below projected estimates, raising concerns about voter inclusion.
- The Supreme Court's decision not to rule on the SIR's constitutionality allowed the ECI to continue with a flawed process.
- The SIR process disproportionately affected migrant voters and married women who have shifted residences.
- The ECI's implementation in West Bengal was so flawed that the Court sought assistance from judicial officers of neighboring states for the 'legal verification' process.
Counter Arguments:
- The ECI claimed that concerns with omissions were overblown, given the relatively few complaints led by political parties.
- Political parties participate in a zero-sum game of competition, which affects their agency in assisting all electors to be part of the list.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of 22 States and Union Territories, including Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh, to expedite preparatory work for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, scheduled to begin in April 2026. This directive, issued on February 19, 2026, by ECI Secretary Pawan Dewan, is part of a nationwide electoral roll clean-up initiated in June 2025. The upcoming phase of the SIR will cover the remaining 17 states and five Union Territories, accounting for nearly 40 crore electors.
The SIR is a door-to-door verification exercise conducted by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) that relies on “legacy linkage,” primarily using electoral rolls from 2002 to 2004 as baseline reference documents. In Punjab, a voter-mapping exercise conducted in October 2025 found that nearly 55 per cent of electors matched legacy records. According to draft electoral rolls released during the SIR, around 6.5 crore voters were removed from the rolls across nine States and three Union Territories; these deletions reduced the total electorate from about 51 crore to 44.4 crore in the affected regions. The removed voters were categorised as ASD (Absent, Shifted, Dead/Duplicate). The highest number of deletions was reported from Uttar Pradesh, followed by Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, and BJP, have raised concerns about transparency and potential disenfranchisement of eligible voters. Filing a false declaration under Form 7 is a punishable offence under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The ECI maintains that no name is removed without due notice and an opportunity for claims and objections, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and inclusivity in the electoral process. This revision is particularly relevant as several states are scheduled for major elections in 2027. This news is relevant for UPSC Mains GS Paper 2, focusing on electoral processes and governance.
Key Facts
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process aimed to revise electoral rolls.
The SIR process resulted in a high number of voter deletions in some states.
Deletions were higher for female than male electors.
The Supreme Court declined to rule on the SIR's constitutionality.
The voter identity card is of use only during quinquennial elections, disincentivising citizens from trying to ensure that they are on the list.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice
Electoral processes, functions and responsibilities of the Election Commission
Potential questions on electoral reforms, voter disenfranchisement, and the role of the ECI
In Simple Words
The government revised the voter lists, but many people were removed, especially women. This happened more in some states than others. Some worry the way they did it wasn't fair and left people out.
India Angle
In India, voting is a big deal. If the voter list isn't accurate, it can affect who gets elected. This especially impacts people who move for work or get married and change their address.
For Instance
Think of it like if your name was accidentally removed from your apartment building's directory. You'd miss important notices and feel left out. Similarly, being off the voter list means you can't participate in elections.
Every vote counts. When people are unfairly left off the voter list, it weakens our democracy and makes it harder for everyone to have their voice heard.
A fair voter list is the foundation of a strong democracy.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for electoral rolls has resulted in a high number of voter deletions, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The deletions are higher for female than male electors, suggesting structural defects in the SIR process. The final figures of the electorate in major states indicate that the registered adult population in the final rolls is much below projected estimates.
The Supreme Court's decision not to rule on the SIR's constitutionality has further exacerbated concerns. The exercise has disproportionately affected migrant voters and married women who have shifted residences.
Expert Analysis
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls brings several key concepts of Indian democracy into focus. The credibility of the electoral process hinges on accurate and inclusive voter lists, and these concepts are central to achieving that goal.
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 is the foundational legislation for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India. It mandates the periodic updating of these rolls to include new voters and remove ineligible entries. The current SIR, initiated in June 2025 and continuing into April 2026, is being conducted under the provisions of this Act. Any discrepancies or manipulations in the electoral rolls, such as the alleged misuse of Form 7, directly contravene the principles and requirements established by this Act. Section 32 of this act makes filing a false declaration under Form 7 a punishable offense, highlighting the seriousness with which the law views attempts to undermine the integrity of the electoral rolls.
Form 7 is a statutory mechanism under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, used to object to the inclusion of a person’s name in the electoral roll. Objections can be raised on grounds such as death, duplication of entries, shifting of residence, ineligibility due to age, or lack of citizenship. A 2022 amendment expanded the scope, allowing any voter within a constituency to file objections, increasing the risk of misuse. The current controversy surrounding the SIR involves allegations of bulk filing of Form 7 applications without the knowledge or consent of the voters concerned, leading to large-scale deletions from electoral rolls. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has established verification processes and safeguards to prevent abuse of Form 7, but concerns persist about their effective implementation under time pressure.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324 of the Constitution, is responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. This includes the preparation, supervision, and revision of electoral rolls. The ECI is currently overseeing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in multiple states and union territories, aiming to ensure accuracy and inclusivity. The ECI has firmly rejected allegations of disproportionate deletions affecting vulnerable communities, asserting that the revision is conducted under its constitutional mandate and that no name is removed without due notice and an opportunity for claims and objections. The ECI's role is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and upholding democratic principles.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Representation of the People Act, the role of Form 7, and the constitutional mandate of the Election Commission of India are essential for both prelims and mains. Questions may arise regarding the powers and functions of the ECI, the legal provisions governing electoral roll revision, and the safeguards in place to prevent voter disenfranchisement. Familiarity with these concepts will enable candidates to critically analyze issues related to electoral integrity and governance.
Visual Insights
States with High Voter Deletions During Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
This map highlights states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat where a high number of voter deletions were observed during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. This raises concerns about voter inclusion and potential flaws in the SIR process.
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More Information
Background
Latest Developments
In recent years, the Election Commission of India has focused on enhancing the integrity and accessibility of the electoral process. This includes leveraging technology and conducting special drives to update voter lists.
In June 2025, the ECI initiated a nationwide electoral roll clean-up, with the current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) being a part of this effort. The ECI has also been working on digital initiatives to improve voter registration and verification, such as the use of mobile apps and online portals. These efforts aim to streamline the process and make it easier for eligible citizens to register and participate in elections.
Looking ahead, the ECI is expected to continue its focus on ensuring accurate and inclusive electoral rolls. This includes addressing concerns raised by political parties and civil society organizations regarding the deletion of voters' names. The ECI is also likely to strengthen its verification processes and grievance redressal mechanisms to prevent voter disenfranchisement and maintain public trust in the electoral system.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the Election Commission focusing on electoral roll revision now, especially with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is focusing on electoral roll revision now as part of a nationwide electoral roll clean-up initiated in June 2025. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a key component of this effort, aimed at updating and correcting voter lists before the next major elections. The ECI has directed CEOs of 22 States and UTs to expedite preparatory work for SIR, scheduled to begin in April 2026.
2. What are the potential issues with using electoral rolls from 2002-2004 as the 'legacy linkage' baseline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
Using older electoral rolls as a baseline can lead to several issues:
- •Exclusion of New Voters: Individuals who became eligible to vote after 2002-2004 might be inadvertently left out if their names don't appear in the older records.
- •Incorrect Deletions: Relying on outdated information could result in the deletion of eligible voters who have moved or whose information has changed since then.
- •Demographic Changes: Population shifts and urbanization since 2002-2004 may not be accurately reflected, leading to skewed representation.
3. The article mentions high voter deletion rates in some states. What could be the reasons for these deletions, and are there any specific vulnerable groups?
High voter deletion rates could be due to several factors:
- •Migration: People moving for work or other reasons may be incorrectly identified as ineligible.
- •Data Errors: Mistakes in data entry or matching can lead to false deletions.
- •Strict Verification: Overly strict verification processes might result in genuine voters being removed.
- •Gender Disparity: The article indicates higher deletion rates for female electors, suggesting potential biases or challenges in their verification.
4. How does the Representation of the People Act, 1950 relate to the current concerns about electoral roll revisions?
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 provides the legal framework for preparing and revising electoral rolls. It mandates regular updates to include new voters and remove those who are no longer eligible. Concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) relate to whether the process is being implemented in a way that aligns with the spirit of the Act, ensuring that eligible voters are not wrongly excluded.
5. If the Supreme Court declined to rule on the SIR's constitutionality, what are the implications for future electoral roll revisions?
If the Supreme Court declined to rule on the SIR's constitutionality, it means that the process is not being challenged at the highest judicial level. This could set a precedent where the Election Commission has greater leeway in implementing such revisions. However, it also means that concerns about potential disenfranchisement and errors in the process may not be addressed through judicial oversight.
6. For UPSC Prelims, what is a potential tricky question related to this news about electoral roll revisions?
A tricky question could focus on the specific legal document used for voter registration. For example: 'Form 7' is related to which of the following:
- •A. Applying for a new Voter ID
- •B. Objecting to inclusion of name in electoral roll
- •C. Applying for correction of details in Voter ID
- •D. Request for deletion of name from electoral roll
Exam Tip
The correct answer is (B). Many students might confuse it with applying for a new Voter ID or correction of details. Remember that Form 7 is specifically for objecting to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Form 7 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: 1. Form 7 is used to apply for a new voter ID card. 2. Objections can be raised on grounds such as death, duplication of entries, or shifting of residence. 3. Only voters from the same polling booth can file objections using Form 7. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: Form 7 is used to object to the inclusion of a person's name in the electoral roll, not to apply for a new voter ID card. Statement 2 is CORRECT: Objections can be raised on grounds such as death, duplication of entries, or shifting of residence. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: A 2022 amendment expanded the scope, allowing any voter within a constituency to file objections, not just those from the same polling booth.
Source Articles
Electoral Roll Revision: Is India Facing Mass Disenfranchisement? - Frontline
Band aid: on the Supreme Court and the Special Intensive Revision process - The Hindu
Do not rush it: On the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls - The Hindu
Tamil Nadu SIR final electoral roll updates: 5.67 crore voters in State after deletion of nearly 70 lakh electors - The Hindu
Over 97 lakh voters deleted from Tamil Nadu draft electoral roll after SIR - The Hindu
About the Author
Ritu SinghGovernance & Constitutional Affairs Analyst
Ritu Singh writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
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