All SIR decisions unanimous, changes in Form 6 upheld by Supreme Court: Election Commission
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar states the Election Commission unanimously approved key decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), ECINet, and voter enrolment. This assertion follows reports of internal dissent within the poll body. However, a conflict remains regarding the modified Form 6 registration declaration. While the ECI previously claimed the Supreme Court upheld these changes, the court clarified it has neither approved nor disapproved the alterations and urged proper lawmaking for such modifications. The ECI has since ordered an ECINET review and extended claims deadlines.
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- ✓ Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar led the meeting addressing SIR dissent reports.
- ✓ The Supreme Court stated it neither approved nor disapproved Form 6 alterations linked to the Bihar SIR.
- ✓ The Election Commission ordered a review of ECINET and extended deadlines for claims.
What changed
The ECI officially denied reports of internal dissent, asserting that nine key decisions including SIR and ECINet measures were approved unanimously.
Live updates
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ECI claims unanimous SIR approvals amid Supreme Court Form 6 dispute
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar states the Election Commission unanimously approved key decisions regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), ECINet, and voter enrolment. This assertion follows reports of internal dissent within the poll body. However, a conflict remains regarding the modified Form 6 registration declaration. While the ECI previously claimed the Supreme Court upheld these changes, the court clarified it has neither approved nor disapproved the alterations and urged proper lawmaking for such modifications. The ECI has since ordered an ECINET review and extended claims deadlines.
Why it matters
The Special Intensive Revision involves updating voter rolls to ensure accuracy. Disputes over Form 6 and Form 7 submissions have sparked concerns about the legality of how new voters are registered and removed. This tension centers on whether the ECI can unilaterally modify statutory forms.
What is confirmed
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar led the meeting addressing SIR dissent reports.
- The Supreme Court stated it neither approved nor disapproved Form 6 alterations linked to the Bihar SIR.
- The Election Commission ordered a review of ECINET and extended deadlines for claims.
Still unconfirmed
- Internal dissent involving the Chief Election Commissioner and other top members led to modifications of Form 6 and caps on Form 7 submissions.
- The ECI's nine new decisions are a form of damage control to address internal rifts.
What to watch next
- Supreme Court adjudication on the validity of the modified statutory Form 6
- Results of the ECINET review ordered by the Election Commission
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.wionews.com — Election Commission on 'damage control' : What do nine new ...
- www.wionews.com — SIR row: Gyanesh Kumar-led ECI clarifies dissent claims, says ...
- www.deccanherald.com — Election Commission: Form 6 changes, SIR row and panel ...
- www.thehindubusinessline.com — Neither approved nor disapproved, SC clarifies stance on Form ...
- www.crosstownnews.in — Various decisions taken in meeting of the Election Commission
- www.acumen.news — Supreme Court Challenges ECI on Voter Roll Revisions, Flags ...
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Supreme Court denies adjudicating ECI voter registration form changes
The Supreme Court clarified it has neither approved nor rejected the Election Commission of India's modified Form 6 declaration for new voter registration. This statement directly contradicts claims by the ECI that the court upheld the revised declaration used during the Special Intensive Revision exercise. The court stated it had not adjudicated on the form while hearing the Bihar SIR matter and warned against putting words in its mouth. The validity of the modified statutory form remains unadjudicated as the court examines the challenge.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on whether the ECI unilaterally added a declaration to the statutory first-time voter registration form. The Congress party has protested these changes, alleging a lack of consensus within the election panel.
What is confirmed
- The Supreme Court clarified it has neither approved nor rejected the ECI's modified Form 6 declaration for new voter registration.
- The court has not adjudicated on the new Form 6 while hearing the Bihar SIR matter.
- The ECI claimed the Supreme Court upheld a declaration appended to Form 6 for the SIR exercise.
Still unconfirmed
- There are alleged differences within the election panel regarding how the Form 6 requirement was introduced.
- The Supreme Court will examine the challenge on October 27.
What to watch next
- The court hearing scheduled for October 27
- The production of official records from authorities regarding the form's modification
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.nbcnews.com — 2026 Georgia Elections
- courtbook.in — Supreme Court Clarifies It Has Neither Approved Nor Rejected ...
- www.livemint.com — New Form 6 neither approved nor rejected: Supreme Court ...
- www.hindustantimes.com — ‘Do not put words in our mouth’: Supreme Court says it never ...
- www.onmanorama.com — Supreme Court clarifies it neither approved nor disapproved ...
- zeenews.india.com — Did Supreme Court approve ECI’s Form 6 changes? CJI bench ...
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Election Commission Defends Form 6 Amid Supreme Court Scrutiny
The Election Commission of India maintains that its Special Intensive Revision order and declaration were upheld by the Supreme Court, directly contradicting the court's clarification that it never approved modifications to first-time voter registration forms. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant is examining how an additional declaration became attached to the statutory form. The controversy has triggered protests from the Congress party and allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding unilateral decision-making, while the court demands official records from authorities.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on voter registration procedures during the Special Intensive Revision process and whether administrative decisions complied with statutory requirements. The Supreme Court previously declined to immediately suspend Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar based on media reports, but issued notices demanding official records and file notings from the Centre, the commission, and its members. The commission rejects allegations made by Rahul Gandhi regarding the registration forms.
What is confirmed
- The Supreme Court clarified that it did not approve changes to Form 6 for voter registration.
- A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Centre, the commission, and its members demanding official records and file notings.
- The Election Commission rejected allegations regarding Form 6, stating that the Special Intensive Revision order and declaration were upheld by the Supreme Court.
Still unconfirmed
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar made unilateral decisions regarding the voter registration forms.
What to watch next
- Review of official records and file notings submitted by the Centre and the Election Commission
- Further actions or rulings by the Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant
- Developments regarding protests and allegations launched by the Congress party
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.nbcnews.com — 2026 Wisconsin Elections
- www.hindustantimes.com — Form 6 row: How an ECI order reached Supreme Court | Timeline
- www.outlookindia.com — Election commission of India Gyanesh Kumar Jantar Mantar ...
- thenews21.com — “Form 6 Declaration Upheld By Supreme Court”: ECI Hits Back ...
- www.newslaundry.com — Who altered Form 6: Did the Supreme Court just torpedo ECI's ...
- www.livemint.com — 'Modified' form 6 row: Why is Rahul Gandhi training his guns ...
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Supreme Court denies approving Election Commission Form 6 modifications
The Supreme Court has clarified it did not approve modifications to Form 6 used for first-time voter registration during the Special Intensive Revision process. This contradicts a September 26 press note from the Election Commission of India claiming the court upheld the changes. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant has issued notices to the Centre, the commission, and its members, demanding official records and file notings to determine if decision-making procedures complied with statutory requirements. The court declined to immediately suspend Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar based on media reports.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on an additional declaration required for voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. While the commission maintains all decisions since February 19, 2025, were unanimous, opposition parties and media reports allege internal dissent among the commissioners.
What is confirmed
- The Supreme Court stated it did not approve modifications to Form 6 introduced during the Special Intensive Revision process.
- A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Centre, the Election Commission, and its three commissioners.
- The Election Commission claimed in a September 26 press note that the Supreme Court upheld the declaration attached to Form 6.
- The court requested official records and file notings to verify if decisions met statutory unanimity or majority mandates.
- ECI sources claim all decisions have been unanimous since February 19, 2025.
Still unconfirmed
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi suggested illegal changes to Form 6 were made at the behest of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
- Media reports allege Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded 14 objections regarding the SIR exercise.
What to watch next
- The submission of ECI file notings and official records to the Supreme Court
- The court's ruling on whether SIR decisions complied with statutory mandates
- Further ECI clarifications regarding the discrepancy with the September 26 press note
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- news24online.com — 'Form 6 changes upheld by Supreme Court': EC holds meeting amid dissent row, says Cabinet Secretary lette....
- english.revoi.in — Congress Claims “Illegal” Changes in Form 6 Carried out at the Behest of “PM-HM Duo”
- risingkashmir.com — ECI clarifies: SIR decisions unanimous, upheld by SC
- www.dynamitenews.com — SIR Row: All Decisions Unanimous Since Gyanesh Kumar Took ...
- lawstreet.co — Election Commission Announces SIR Changes After First Meeting ...
- www.indiatoday.in — No Election Commissioner has dissented on any decision since ...
- www.indiatoday.in — Supreme Court Notice On Form 6 Changes, SIR Row And Scrutiny ...
- indialegallive.com — We have not approved any modified form 6: Supreme Court ...
- indianmasterminds.com — Supreme Court Says It Did Not Approve Modified Form 6, Seeks ECI Records in SIR Case
- thesouthfirst.com — SIR row: Supreme Court did not approve modified Form 6, clarifies CJI Surya Kant
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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.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (20)
- Bloomberg.com — India Poll Body Tweaks Voter Roll Drive Amid Report of Dissent
- reuters.com — India's election commission orders review of voter-roll changes
- NDTV — Election Commission's Note Settles Row, Says BJP. Congress Lists 'Unanswered Questions'
- The Hindu — Election Commission stops physical hearings for voters, to start enrolment drive
- tribuneindia.com — All SIR decisions unanimous, changes in Form 6 upheld by Supreme Court: Election Commission
- www.nationalheraldindia.com — EC’s SIR measures won’t undo mass disenfranchisement: Congress
- www.outlookindia.com — 'I Eat Politicians For Breakfast': Why Former CEC TN Seshan's Remarks Is Back Amid SIR Controversy
- nagalandpost.com — Congress attacks EC over SIR, alleges mass disenfranchisement
- www.nationalheraldindia.com — Congress to hold CWC meet tomorrow to chalk out strategy for CEC’s ouster
- news.webindia123.com — CPI(M) MP John Brittas writes to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, alleges "unlawful modification of online Form 6" amid SIR row
- www.newindianexpress.com — CEC ‘not responsible for determining citizenship’, Congress demands Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation
- www.rediff.com — 'All SIR orders had unanimous nod': EC clarifies amid row ...
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