Controversy over Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls

Why in news?

Opposition parties, activists, and the public are protesting against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging mass deletion of voters, particularly from marginalized communities. The Bombay High Court has also questioned the ECI regarding the deletion of voter names.

Key points

1. 1Allegations of disenfranchisement of over 13 crore voters, including Adivasis, Dalits, Muslims, Christians, and other minorities.
2. 2Opposition parties, led by INDIA bloc, marched to the ECI demanding the scrapping of SIR, restoration of deleted names, and resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
3. 3Bombay High Court questioned the ECI on the deletion of voter names during SIR, emphasizing the ECI's obligation to ensure citizen inclusion in voter lists.
4. 4Activists and celebrities like Prakash Raj are demanding the scrapping of SIR and accountability for those involved.
5. 5The ECI maintains that voters seeking address changes must submit enumeration forms along with Form 8, or Form 6 if the enumeration form is not submitted.

Background & context

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process undertaken by the Election Commission of India to update electoral rolls. Concerns have been raised in the past about the accuracy and inclusiveness of voter lists.