Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls: Strengthening Democracy in India

Recently, the Election Commission of India (EC) concluded the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in November 2025.
The EC has proposed to implement the SIR nationwide in a phased manner, aligned with the Assembly election schedules of various States.
The move aims to update and clean electoral rolls, ensuring free and fair elections.

Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) mandates the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
Summary Revision: Conducted before every general election or by-election.
Special Revision (SIR): EC can carry out revision at any time to maintain accurate voter lists.
Through an order dated 24 June 2025, the EC decided to conduct SIR across India in phases.

Qualifying date: 1 July 2025.
Key steps involved:
- Submission of enumeration forms by registered voters.
- Submission of eligible documents to prove citizenship (for electors registered after 2003).
- Publication of draft electoral rolls based on submitted forms.
- Filing of claims and objections, verified and disposed by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
- Publication of final electoral roll – released on 30 September 2025.
Judicial intervention:
- SIR faced challenges in the Supreme Court.
- SC interim orders: Allowed Aadhaar as a valid identity proof along with enumeration forms.
National rollout:
- EC plans phased SIR for all States based on Assembly election schedules.

Statutory reference: Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (RER).
Important forms for citizens:
- New voter registration forms.
- Forms for modification of details (name, address, etc.).
- Forms for claims and objections on existing entries.

Contrasting viewpoints: Political debates exist both for and against SIR, especially concerning timing and process.
Need for clean electoral rolls: Accurate voter lists are essential for free and fair elections, a pillar of democracy.
Future improvements:
- EC may adopt a more spread-out schedule for SIR to allow hassle-free voter participation.
- Aadhaar inclusion likely to continue, following the Supreme Court directive.
Duties of citizens:
- Verify draft electoral rolls.
- Submit enumeration forms if required.
- New voters and migrated electors should submit relevant forms.
- Political parties and civil society must assist marginalized communities.
Outcome: Ensures clean electoral rolls while safeguarding the right to vote of every eligible citizen.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a critical exercise by the EC to maintain accuracy, transparency, and inclusivity in electoral rolls.
Its phased implementation across States, adherence to Supreme Court directives, and active participation by citizens will strengthen the integrity of India’s democratic process.