Former BJP leader RK Singh alleges legal violations in ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls

Hindustan Times - India · 30 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

Former Union Minister RK Singh accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of violating the Representation of the People Act during the SIR exercise, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity and democratic processes.

Key points

RK Singh, former Union Power Minister and BJP leader, accused CEC Gyanesh Kumar of violating Sections 21 and 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Singh claimed the nationwide SIR was illegal as Section 21 permits revisions only for specific constituencies with recorded reasons, not blanket nationwide exercises.

The letter alleges that revised rolls with deletions were used in elections while appeals were still pending, violating Section 21's requirement to maintain existing rolls until revision completion.

Singh accused Kumar of removing voter names without proper inquiry or show-cause notices, shifting the burden of proof onto voters contrary to the Supreme Court's 1995 Lal Babu Hussain ruling.

[GS2-Governance] The controversy highlights critical questions about the Election Commission's autonomy and adherence to due process in electoral governance.

The letter targets a new Appendix to Form 6 requiring parents' 2003 roll details, which Singh claims was added illegally and disproportionately affects young voters' registration.

Singh cited a 90% success rate in appeals for deleted voters, suggesting widespread improper deletions during the SIR process.

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the SIR process, indicating judicial scrutiny of these electoral governance issues.

Way Forward: The ECI should establish transparent criteria for voter deletions, ensure proper appeal mechanisms before election use of revised rolls, and maintain strict compliance with RPA procedures to preserve electoral integrity.

Key terms

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

An extraordinary electoral roll revision process initiated by the Election Commission of India under Article 324's plenary powers. Unlike annual summary revisions, SIR involves door-to-door verification of all voters, raising concerns about its nationwide application and potential for voter disenfranchisement.

Representation of the People Act, 1950

The foundational statute governing electoral rolls in India. Sections 21-22 regulate revisions, permitting special revisions only for specific constituencies with recorded reasons, and mandate proper inquiry before voter deletions. Its violation threatens constitutional democracy's basic structure.

Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)

The statutory authority under Section 22 of RPA 1950 responsible for maintaining electoral rolls. EROs must conduct proper inquiries before deletions and maintain rolls until revision completion. Their bypassing undermines due process in electoral governance.

Lal Babu Hussain Case (1995)

A landmark Supreme Court ruling establishing that the burden of proof in voter eligibility challenges lies with authorities/objectors, not voters. Its violation by shifting burden to citizens constitutes denial of electoral rights under Article 326.