Voters Can Add Missing Names Even After SIR, Supreme Court Explains Electoral Roll Process

New Delhi: Even after the completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of voter lists, the right to vote will not be closed for the citizens. The Supreme Court has clarified that completion of SIR does not mean freezing the voter list. Eligible voters whose names have been left out or removed from the draft list can apply for re-inclusion through the prescribed process. The court said that the process of adding names to the voter list and correcting mistakes goes on continuously. The remarks came during the hearing on petitions challenging the SIR in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Chhattisgarh.

Will there be a chance to add names to the nomination for elections?

A three-member bench led by Chief Election Commissioner Surya Kant did not accept the demand for extension of the deadline but also made it clear that it was not necessary. During the hearing, senior lawyer D.S. appeared for the Election Commission. Naidu said that even after SIR, voters can apply for inclusion of their names. According to them, names can be added to the voter list till the last date of filing nomination papers for the elections. The court also emphasised that completion of the process does not take away the right to include the names of eligible voters.

What is the controversy regarding Form-7 in Uttar Pradesh?

The issue of large number of submissions of Form-7 in Uttar Pradesh attracted special attention during the hearing. Form-7 is used to lodge an objection to the deletion of a person's name from the voter list. The petitioners alleged that such forms were submitted in large numbers at 'some places' targeting people of a particular community. In one constituency, the matter of filing objection through 32 forms was also placed before the court.

What clarification did the Election Commission give regarding the forms?

The Election Commission's counsel admitted that a large number of Form-7s were submitted, but upon investigation by the authorities, many applications were found to be incorrect and were not processed. The court asked the petitioners to give details of the remaining irregularities to the Commission through a written note. Also instructed the Commission to investigate the facts and make necessary reforms and submit a compliance report in this regard.

Why did the issue of 24 lakh voters of Kerala arise?

The SIR process in Kerala was completed in February and after that the assembly elections were also held. During the hearing, lawyer appeared for CPM G. Prakash claimed that around 24 lakh people were left out of the voter list. He said that many people could not submit their enumeration forms due to lack of time. On this, the court asked the party to give details of such people to the Election Commission so that their cases could be investigated.

What will the Commission have to answer about Chhattisgarh and Kerala?

Alleging massive 'banning' in Kerala, senior lawyer Raju Ramachandran sought a detailed affidavit from the Election Commission. The court asked the commission to respond to the petition and the note given by the lawyer. In the case of Chhattisgarh also, allegations were raised about large number of names of voters being removed. In this matter, the Supreme Court has given four weeks time to the Election Commission to present its stand on the counter-affidavit and the note of the petitioners.

What is the important message for the voters now?

An important aspect of the hearing is that even after SIR, eligible voters can apply for inclusion of their names or for correction of errors in the records. Therefore, those whose names are missing from the list will have to present their case to the concerned election authorities as per the prescribed procedure. The Supreme Court has also asked the Election Commission to investigate such complaints and take necessary action.