Election Commission Says SIR Decisions Were Unanimous
A report published today said Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on several occasions over matters connected with electoral-roll management during the SIR exercise. The reported concerns included voter registration and deletion, changes to Form 6, and aspects of the voter database system.
The Election Commission subsequently issued a response saying that differing views and observations are a normal part of institutional deliberations and that the final decisions of the Commission, including those concerning SIR, were taken unanimously with the approval of all three Commissioners.
The EC also said its orders and administrative directions follow statutory procedures and that its digital systems operate with security and audit controls. The Commission said it had undertaken several electoral reforms and initiatives during the past year.
The issue comes amid continuing scrutiny of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Supreme Court is also examining aspects of the SIR process, including notices issued to voters in Delhi over discrepancies in electoral records.