Comparing SIR 2002-04 and 2025-26
The Hindu examines the controversy surrounding the Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process for electoral rolls. The article highlights the legal basis for the exercise under the Representation of the People Act while noting the ongoing debate between critics and supporters regarding its implementation.
Why it matters
The integrity and methodology of electoral roll revisions are fundamental to democratic processes and public trust in election administration.
There have been renewed protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Former Election Commissioners and Supreme Court judges have also questioned the exercise in its current form. As a counter, there have also been former judges and bureaucrats who have supported the current SIR process.
Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act) authorises the Election Commission of India (ECI) to carry out a special revision of the electoral roll for ‘any’ constituency or part of a constituency in such manner as it may think fit.
Published - October 13, 2026 07:00 am IST
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