While hearing several petitions related to the ‘Special Intensive Revision’ (SIR) of the electoral roll in Delhi on Wednesday, the Supreme Court stated that the Election Commission (EC) cannot make changes to Forms 6, 7, and 8.
The Court questioned why individuals already included in the electoral roll are being asked to fill out Form 6—a form intended for new voters—to re-register their names.
A bench led by CJI Surya Kant remarked that Forms 6, 7, and 8 are prescribed formats that cannot be altered.
Why a deadline when there are no elections?
The bench, which also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, questioned why the Election Commission is insisting on an October 30 deadline, given that no elections are scheduled in the capital in the near future. The bench stated, “Do not set a cut-off date for the re-registration of names.”
The judges directed the Election Commission to devise a simplified solution for voters who, for various reasons, were unable to submit their registration forms.
The bench observed that if an individual—who was previously on the electoral roll—is no longer listed, the situation should be addressed based on their specific status, rather than treating them as new voters.
Election Commission should reach out to voters: SC
The Chief Justice remarked that the Election Commission should not merely wait for voters to submit applications on their own; instead, it should proactively reach out to them. He suggested that the Commission continue accepting applications via Forms 6 and 8, while adopting the most accessible procedure possible. The Commission has agreed to extend the deadline for the submission of applications.
