NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a comprehensive point-by-point clarification to refute reports of internal rift, asserting that all key policy decisions—including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls—were adopted unanimously by the full bench.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar alongside Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi convened at Nirvachan Sadan for an all-member meeting to address public scrutiny surrounding reported objections over administrative procedures, IT infrastructure, and statutory forms.
Key Operational Clarifications & Governance Decisions
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Unanimity on Special Intensive Revision (SIR): The Commission affirmed that the foundational June 24, 2025, order launching the SIR across states and Union Territories, as well as subsequent operational schedules, received unanimous bench approval and was upheld by the Supreme Court.
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Form 6 & Enrolment Protocols: Addressing questions regarding parental mapping declarations attached to Form 6 during the SIR, the ECI highlighted that the protocol stands validated by the Supreme Court. Standard forms under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, will continue for non-SIR enrolments.
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ECINET Portal & IT Governance:
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Field officers retain role-based access mapped strictly to their statutory powers.
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A review panel—headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and featuring an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT—will evaluate the ECINET portal.
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Future IT modules and portal rollouts must undergo prior review by a committee of officers before submission to the full Commission for final approval.
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Administrative Work Redistribution: Clarified that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary concerned the operational conduct of an officer on deputation rather than IT policy. Disputed work redistribution orders were halted following directions from the Commissioners, preserving Deputy Election Commissioner oversight over the IT division.
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Internal Process Reforms: Commission meeting agendas will now be circulated in advance, formal minutes will be issued, and directions from Commissioners to staff will be strictly recorded and complied with.
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Revised SIR Extension Timelines:
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Delhi: Claims and objections deadline extended to October 30; disposal target shifted to November 30.
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Maharashtra: Claims and objections deadline extended to October 12; disposal target shifted to November 10.
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