All SIR decisions unanimous, changes in Form 6 upheld by Supreme Court: Election Commission

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1. 1h ago

   Election Commission Defends SIR Process Amid Dissent and Form 6 Row

   The Election Commission of India stated that all Special Intensive Revision orders received unanimous consent from all three commissioners and that changes to voter enrolment Form 6 were upheld by the Supreme Court. The clarification follows media reports alleging internal dissent and objections from Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Opposition parties, including the Congress and CPI(M), continue to criticize the poll panel over voter deletions, citizenship determinations, and the online Form 6 modification. In response, the commission dropped the additional SIR declaration from Form 6 in states where the exercise is finished.

   Why it matters

   The controversy follows media reports that two election commissioners raised objections multiple times over the Special Intensive Revision process and electoral-roll databases. Political parties have raised concerns about mass disenfranchisement and the legality of extra requirements for voters seeking inclusion on electoral rolls. The debate highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding decision-making transparency within India's top poll body.

   What is confirmed

   • The Election Commission stated that all Special Intensive Revision orders received unanimous approval from its three commissioners.
   • The poll panel asserted that updates and changes to Form 6 for voter enrolment were upheld by the Supreme Court.
   • An Indian Express report claimed that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections multiple times over the revision process.
   • CPI(M) MP John Brittas wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to allege unlawful modification of the online Form 6 process.
   • The Election Commission dropped the additional SIR declaration from Form 6 in states where the exercise is over following a meeting of the commissioners.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Congress plans to hold a CWC meeting to chalk out a strategy for the Chief Election Commissioner's ouster and push a removal notice in Parliament through the INDIA bloc.

   What to watch next

   • Decisions or strategy from the Congress Working Committee and the INDIA bloc regarding a removal notice in Parliament against the Chief Election Commissioner.
   • Further legal challenges or parliamentary responses concerning the legality of the online Form 6 modifications and voter deletions.
   • Official verification of whether additional states will drop the SIR declaration from voter enrolment forms.
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Bloomberg.com — India Poll Body Tweaks Voter Roll Drive Amid Report of Dissent
   2. reuters.com — India's election commission orders review of voter-roll changes
   3. NDTV — Election Commission's Note Settles Row, Says BJP. Congress Lists 'Unanswered Questions'
   4. The Hindu — Election Commission stops physical hearings for voters, to start enrolment drive
   5. tribuneindia.com — All SIR decisions unanimous, changes in Form 6 upheld by Supreme Court: Election Commission
   6. www.nationalheraldindia.com — EC’s SIR measures won’t undo mass disenfranchisement: Congress
   7. www.outlookindia.com — 'I Eat Politicians For Breakfast': Why Former CEC TN Seshan's Remarks Is Back Amid SIR Controversy
   8. nagalandpost.com — Congress attacks EC over SIR, alleges mass disenfranchisement
   9. www.nationalheraldindia.com — Congress to hold CWC meet tomorrow to chalk out strategy for CEC’s ouster
   10. news.webindia123.com — CPI(M) MP John Brittas writes to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleges "unlawful modification of online Form 6" amid SIR row
   11. www.newindianexpress.com — CEC ‘not responsible for determining citizenship’, Congress demands Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
   12. www.rediff.com — 'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row ...
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