Indian Scientists Petition Against Voter Roll Purge
A group of independent scientists and researchers has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the central government to stop the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. They have also demanded that the names of eligible voters who were wrongly removed from the lists be added back immediately.
The scientists said that the right to vote is an important part of democracy. They warned that removing people from voter lists without proper checks could prevent many citizens from taking part in elections.
Scientists From Leading Institutions Sign Letter
The letter was shared on October 23, 2026, and was signed by more than 130 researchers and academics. The signatories include scientists and scholars associated with well-known institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).
The scientists made it clear that they were writing in their personal capacity and not representing the institutions where they work.
In their letter, they urged the Election Commission and the government to review the voter list revision process. They said that the system must protect the voting rights of every eligible citizen and ensure that no one loses their right to vote without a fair and proper review.
Concerns Over Large-Scale Removal of Voters
According to the information in the letter, more than 130 million people have been removed from voter lists during the revision process. The large number of removals has raised concerns among opposition parties, civil society groups and young people.
Protests have taken place in different parts of the country, with some protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Following weeks of protests and criticism, the Election Commission has ordered fresh checks in some states, including Delhi. However, the scientists believe that more action is needed to protect people who may have been wrongly removed from the lists.
Poor People and Migrant Workers May Be Affected
The scientists expressed particular concern about the possible impact on poor people, migrant workers and marginalised communities. These groups may face difficulties providing documents or completing official procedures because of their living and working conditions.
Migrant workers, for example, may move from one state or city to another for employment. As a result, they may find it difficult to complete verification procedures or respond to official notices on time.
The scientists warned that eligible citizens could lose their voting rights because of paperwork problems or other difficulties, even when they have the legal right to vote.
They also argued that the process does not provide enough protection for people whose names have been removed. According to them, affected citizens may face difficulties challenging the decision and getting their names added back to the voter list.
Scientists Demand a Fair Chance for Every Voter
The researchers said that the Election Commission must provide a clear and fair system for checking voter eligibility. They believe that citizens should receive proper information if their names are removed and should have a reasonable opportunity to explain their situation.
They also called for stronger safeguards to ensure that genuine voters are not excluded because of administrative mistakes or a lack of documents.
The scientists compared the issue to the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” They argued that people should not lose an important right without a fair process and proper justification.
They stressed that any voter list revision must be carried out carefully, transparently and in a way that protects the rights of eligible citizens.
Voting Rights Are Essential for Democracy
The scientists highlighted that voting allows people to choose their representatives and influence the decisions that affect their lives. If eligible voters are removed from the list unfairly, they may be unable to participate in elections.
They warned that democracy becomes weaker when citizens are denied the opportunity to vote. According to them, protecting the right to vote is not only the responsibility of the Election Commission but also an important duty of the government and society.
The letter called on the authorities to follow the principles of the Indian Constitution and ensure that election procedures are fair to everyone.
Appeal to the Government and Election Commission
The scientists urged the Election Commission to stop the current SIR process until concerns about voter removals are properly addressed. They also demanded the immediate restoration of names that were wrongly deleted and stronger procedures to prevent similar problems in the future.
They called on democratic organisations, public groups and individuals to support efforts to protect voting rights.
The main message of the letter is that every eligible Indian citizen must have a fair opportunity to vote. The scientists believe that election procedures should make voting more reliable and accessible, rather than create barriers that prevent genuine voters from participating in democracy.