Delhi SIR: Supreme Court Asks ECI to Extend Deadlines and Simplify Enrolment

The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to extend the deadlines for voter enrolment in Delhi under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The court also advised the commission to make the registration process easier so that more eligible citizens can register as voters.

During the hearing, the court observed that Form 6, which is used for new voter registration, remains unchanged under the current rules. It clarified that Forms 6, 7 and 8 cannot be modified as part of the process. These forms are used for voter registration, raising objections to voter details and correcting or updating information in the electoral rolls.

The court also discussed legal issues related to voter registration and updates in different states. However, it did not examine the issue concerning Bihar during this hearing. The court referred to an interim arrangement that had previously been permitted in West Bengal.

The Supreme Court pointed out that there are no ongoing elections in Delhi. Therefore, it instructed the Election Commission not to impose application deadlines that could prevent eligible voters from getting their names included again in the electoral rolls. The court gave the commission two weeks to implement the necessary changes.

During the hearing, the judges questioned why people who had missed the initial enrolment period were required to submit Form 6 to register as new voters. The Election Commission agreed to extend the deadlines for submitting claims, objections and enrolment forms.

Chief Justice of India also urged the Election Commission to communicate clearly with voters and continue accepting Forms 6 and 7. The court stressed the importance of ensuring that eligible citizens get a fair opportunity to register and correct their voter details.

The Supreme Court’s directions aim to make the voter enrolment process more accessible and reduce difficulties for people who want to ensure their names are included in the electoral rolls. Extending the deadlines and improving communication could help more eligible voters complete the required formalities without unnecessary pressure.