Editorial: Deep Rot- Concerns over ECI’s Functioning during SIR

Context

• • The editorial examines reported disagreements within the Election Commission of India (ECI) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
  • Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi reportedly raised objections at least 14 times between October 2025 and August 2026 over decisions they said were taken without their knowledge.
  • The ECI has maintained that its decisions, including those relating to SIR, were taken with the approval of the Commission.

1. Major Concerns Raised

A. Form 6

• • Questions were reportedly raised over changes concerning Form 6, used for new voter registration.
  • The concern was whether such changes could be made without corresponding amendments to the rules.

B. Centralisation of Electoral Data

• • The Commissioners reportedly questioned the centralisation of electoral-roll databases and the extent of access available to field-level Electoral Registration Officers.
  • This raises concerns regarding digital governance, accountability and statutory authority.

C. Voter Deletions

• • In West Bengal, around 60 lakh electors were flagged for “logical discrepancies”, with about 27 lakh eventually deleted according to the editorial.
  • More than nine in ten decided appeals reportedly resulted in restoration of electors, raising questions about the accuracy of the initial verification process.

2. Constitutional Significance

• • Article 324: Gives the ECI superintendence, direction and control over elections.
  • Article 326: Guarantees elections based on adult suffrage.
  • Electoral-roll revision must therefore balance accuracy of voter lists with protection against wrongful exclusion.

Key Insight

Electoral-roll purity and universal adult franchise must operate together; verification mechanisms should not create disproportionate barriers for eligible citizens.

Way Forward

• • Independent audit of electoral databases and software.
  • Transparent criteria for deletion and restoration.
  • Clear accountability for changes made at central and field levels.
  • Strengthen notice, hearing and appeal mechanisms.

Conclusion

The controversy highlights the need for institutional transparency, procedural safeguards and public confidence in electoral-roll management. The ongoing debate should be resolved through documented evidence, statutory procedures and judicial oversight where necessary.