Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 15: The Election Commission (EC) has informed the Supreme Court that voters whose names are missing from the draft electoral rolls following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) can submit fresh applications through Form 6 without facing prosecution, provided they meet the prescribed eligibility conditions.

In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, the poll panel clarified that no prosecution would be initiated merely because an applicant had been enrolled in an earlier electoral roll but was left out of the draft list during the SIR exercise. However, this protection applies only if the applicant is not already enrolled in another Parliamentary or Assembly constituency and the declaration submitted is otherwise in accordance with the law.

The EC said the clarification was issued after concerns were raised that such applicants could face prosecution under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It has directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to publicise the clarification widely, including in local languages, to ensure voters are aware of the provision.

The Commission also said it had taken note of the Supreme Court's suggestion to contact voters excluded from the rolls under the ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Dead or Duplicate) category and facilitate their inclusion, wherever eligible.

In a communication dated November 6, 2026, the EC directed CEOs of states and Union Territories where the SIR exercise is underway to allow voters to submit duly filled Enumeration Forms (Annexure A) to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) or Booth Level Officer (BLO) for their current ordinary residence.

Voters who have not shifted can submit the signed Enumeration Form along with an Annexure-B statement explaining why they had not submitted the form earlier. The documents can be submitted in person or through family members. An online submission facility with e-signature will also be available through ECINET.

The poll panel said a mechanism had been directed to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the opportunity to have their name included in the final electoral roll, subject to the prescribed eligibility criteria. It added that steps would also be taken to prevent duplicate enrolments.

The EC reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, acknowledging the challenges involved in handling large volumes of digitalised data. It said it would address inconsistencies while ensuring that eligible voters are included in the electoral rolls.

The Commission had earlier defended the SIR exercise before the Supreme Court, stating that it was authorised by law and that the relevant orders had been approved unanimously by all three members of the poll panel. It had also rejected allegations of changes to Form 6, maintaining that no amendments had been made to the statutory form used for voter registration.