New Delhi, Oct. 28: The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to simplify procedures for restoring voters’ names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Delhi’s electoral rolls.
The court questioned why voters previously listed on electoral rolls must submit Form 6, meant for new enrolment, when seeking to restore their names. It also urged the Commission to consider accepting applications beyond the October 30 deadline.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard petitions challenging aspects of the Delhi SIR process on Wednesday.
The bench stressed the importance of voting rights and questioned whether eligible voters should risk exclusion because they failed to submit enumeration forms within the prescribed period. The court asked the ECI to consider appropriate procedures for affected voters and report back within two weeks.
Supreme Court Raises Concerns Over SIR and Logical Discrepancies
The bench questioned the use of Form 6 for people whose names appeared on earlier electoral rolls. It observed that Form 8 is generally used to correct details or update an existing voter’s address.
The judges also highlighted the difficulties faced by migrant workers, daily-wage earners and others who may be temporarily away from their registered addresses. They urged the ECI to take steps to trace affected electors instead of placing the entire responsibility on voters.
The court suggested making information about excluded voters easily accessible and publicising the process in languages they understand. The ECI told the bench it would consider the suggestions and examine options for addressing the concerns.
The Supreme Court also clarified that it had not finally ruled on the legality of the “logical discrepancy” category used during electoral-roll revisions.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said the court’s earlier proceedings concerning Bihar’s SIR had not settled the issue. The category had been permitted as an interim arrangement in the West Bengal proceedings, but its legality remained open for detailed examination.
The bench questioned whether the criteria used to identify discrepancies had been adequately explained and whether individual cases were receiving proper consideration. It indicated that the legality of the process would be examined further.
The matter has been adjourned for two weeks, giving the Election Commission time to consider the court’s suggestions and respond.
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