EC Clarifies SIR Decisions Were Unanimous, Eases Process for Voters Receiving Notices

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Saturday clarified that all decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including the nationwide exercise, were approved unanimously by the full Commission.

In a statement, the poll panel said the SIR order issued on June 24, 2025, covering all states and Union Territories and beginning with Bihar, followed by West Bengal and 30 other states and UTs, was approved unanimously by the Commission. The EC also said that the Supreme Court, in its May 27, 2026 order, upheld the SIR process.

The Commission further stated that the SIR schedules for 12 states and Union Territories issued on October 27, 2025, and for another 19 states and UTs issued on May 14, 2026, were also approved unanimously. It added that the final number of electors would be known only after the final publication of electoral rolls in the remaining 12 states under Phase III.

At its meeting on Saturday, the Commission also announced measures to simplify the process for voters who receive notices during the ongoing SIR because their details could not be mapped or because of logical discrepancies.

Such voters will ordinarily not be required to appear personally before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). Instead, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit their homes, collect the required documents and upload them on ECINet. The ERO will then examine the documents and take a decision on the voter’s case.

The Election Commission said the move is aimed at making the verification process more convenient for voters while ensuring that the required documents are properly examined before a final decision is taken.