EC Breaks Silence on Reports of Objections Over SIR

The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has become a hot topic once again. As some news reports surfaced about objections raised by two Election Commissioners over issues related to the SIR, the Election Commission of India today issued a press note.

The news reports said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had reportedly raised objections on several occasions over the past 10 months on matters related to voter registration, deletion of names and handling of electoral roll data.

Responding to the news reports, the Election Commission of India said differences of opinion are a normal part of the decision-making process in any institution.

The Commission said such views and observations are considered before a final decision is taken. The EC also said that every officer in the Commission, and not just the three Election Commissioners, can give suggestions to improve the electoral system.

The Election Commission said questions and suggestions raised by Commission members during the drafting stage are part of the normal administrative process and are aimed at protecting voters’ rights. The Election Commission said focusing only on internal notes and observations made over 10 months gives only ‘one part of the picture’.

The EC said it has taken several decisions and introduced around 40 new initiatives in recent months, including electoral reforms and revision of electoral rolls through SIR. The EC said these decisions were taken unanimously by the full Commission over the past year.

The ECI also pointed to elections held recently in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal, apart from other election-related exercises.

The Election Commission said it works under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established procedures. The ECI said internal notes, observations, technical suggestions and checks are a normal part of its functioning.

The Election Commission also said its digital platforms, including ECINet, follow strict data-security measures. It said cybersecurity measures and audits are in place for its national databases.

The Commission further said Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers continue to exercise their legal powers over voter registration and deletion of names.

The Election Commission said it remains committed to carrying out its constitutional responsibilities with ‘complete integrity’ and strengthening the country’s democratic process.