The Supreme Court of India has clarified that elected citizens will still be able to put their names on the electoral rolls even though the Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) have been completed.

This comes after some concerns over candidates who’s names have been deleted on interim electoral roll. However, the Supreme Court issued a statement saying 'the process of adding eligible voters is an ongoing one and once the revision process has been concluded there is no prevention against ticketing eligible voters.’

This has been important to voters in UP, Kerala and Chhattisgarh following petitions surrounding this instruction.

Supreme Court Refuse to Extend SIR Timeframe

Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Chhattisgarh petitions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision by a bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant along with Judges Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.

The petitioners cited reasons for why eligible voters were not having their names correctly noted as they would not have time to complete the enumeration form.

However, the Supreme Court did not want to extend the timeframe saying 'Further extension of time is not required since it is an ongoing process.'

This should reassure those concerned that because they cannot complete their SIR in time will result in them being permanently unable to register.

Voter can Register after SIR

• It was during the hearing that Senior Advocate D. S. Naidu cited how it is 'possible for citizen to apply again'
• As long as the candidates meet the ruling requirements, it is possible to add new names on to the voters’ list until the stage of nominations for elections.
• Those who are eligible will still be able to request the Electoral Commission to add them to electoral rolls.
• There shouldn’t be any impact on voters due to an 'intensive revise’ occurring.

Electoral Commission Apologise for Mistakes in UP

• During the hearing there were also concerns that were raised about deleting the names of known voters in Uttar Pradesh.
• The Electoral Commission admitted that some officers have made mistakes whilst processing bulk requests with Form7.
• They also informed the court 'steps were taken and action was completed.'
• The Supreme Court granted leave of the petitioner permit the sending of specific discrepancies to the Commission.

Kerala SIR - Worries Over Voter Loss

• In Kerala it was cited by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (advocate G. Prakash). Approximately 24lakh voters weren’t cited during voter revisions.
• Major concern was raised over voters not being able to complete Enumeration forms in reasonable time frameworks.
• The Supreme Court asked the CPM to provide details of those who were unable to complete the Electoral Roll in an adequate period of time. From here the Electoral Commission are able to look at each case.
• Another Petition also was raised by Senior Advocate Raju Ramachandran due to major deletions throughout the Kerala Special Intensive Revision. They wanted a full answer from the Electoral Commission.
• The court requested a response from the Commission.

What is a Special Intensive Revision?

A Special Intensive Revision is carried out by the Election Commisson of India. It is a process released to ensure that the electoral rolls are updated to give full and correct details.

This process will help to avoid any duplication, inaccurate details or those who should not be registered on the electoral lists.

Booth Level Officers will carry validation tasks. They will collect Enumeration Forms completed and reviewing the details patients of voters. They will then publish interim electoral rolls for any comments or corrections.

Those who’s names aren’t there can declare interest using Form6. If they are unable to register due to reasons there will be Form7 to debate. Form8 can be completed for any amendments required.

What Does the Supreme Court’s Response Mean?

The Supreme Court’s remarks will provide some peace of mind that any eligible candidates that maybe were not included shall not be prevented.

Once voters list have been revised it won’t stop candidates from trying to register.

We should always check our details are correct and will ask the Electoral Commission or your local registration authorities.

Also this will remind us how important accurate electoral lists are whilst ensuring that eligible voters aren’t denied!