Internal Dissent in the Election Commission: Questions Over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Gist Two Election Commissioners have placed on record their formal objections to the functioning of the Election Commission of India ECI regarding the recent Special Intensive Revision SIR of electoral rolls. They raised red flags over the centralisation of voter databases, opaque decision-making by the Chief Election Commissioner, and changes to voter registration forms that place an undue burden on citizens. For a UPSC aspirant, this exposes a rare breakdown of institutional consensus within the ECI, raising critical questions about electoral integrity, the disenfranchisement of vulnerable voters, and the Supreme Court's reluctance to intervene. Background Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the ECI is mandated to superintend, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls. To maintain an accurate voter list, the ECI periodically conducts a Special Intensive Revision SIR to add new voters, remove deceased or relocated individuals, and correct errors. The ECI is a multi-member body that is statutorily required to function on the principle of consensus or, failing that, by majority vote. Historically, the ECI has operated with a decentralized approach, relying on state-level electoral machinery, but…