New Delhi, Nov 15: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that voters whose names are missing from the draft electoral rolls despite being enrolled in earlier voter lists can apply again through Form 6 without facing prosecution.
The clarification was submitted to the Supreme Court through an affidavit amid concerns that voters excluded during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could face legal action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, for submitting fresh applications.
No Legal Action for Eligible Voters Applying Through Form 6
In its affidavit, the Election Commission stated that no prosecution would be initiated against applicants merely because they were registered voters in previous electoral rolls but their names were missing from the draft electoral list prepared during the SIR exercise.
However, this protection applies only if the applicant is not already enrolled in another Parliamentary or Assembly constituency and the declaration submitted complies with the law.
The Commission also said it had instructed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) across states and Union Territories to publicise this clarification widely, including in regional languages, to remove confusion among voters.
EC Introduces Measures to Include Left-Out Voters
The Election Commission further informed the Supreme Court that it had considered the court’s suggestion to reach out to voters classified under the ASDD category — Absent, Shifted, Dead or Duplicate — to ensure that eligible voters are not left out of the electoral rolls.
As part of these efforts, the Commission issued fresh directions to Chief Electoral Officers on November 6, 2026, in states and Union Territories where the SIR exercise is underway.
According to the new instructions, voters can submit their completed Enumeration Forms (Annexure A) to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) or Booth Level Officer (BLO) responsible for their current ordinary residence.
Offline and Online Options for Voter Registration
The EC has also provided an additional opportunity for voters who have not shifted their residence but failed to submit their Enumeration Forms earlier.
Such voters can now submit their signed Enumeration Forms along with Annexure B, explaining the reasons for not submitting the form previously.
The documents can be submitted directly to the ERO, AERO or BLO, either personally or through family members.
The Commission has also made online submission with an electronic signature (e-sign) available through the ECINET platform.
EC Assures No Eligible Voter Will Be Left Out
The Election Commission told the Supreme Court that it had directed officials to establish a mechanism to ensure that every eligible voter gets an opportunity to have their name included in the final electoral rolls.
At the same time, the Commission stressed that necessary safeguards would be maintained to prevent duplicate voter registrations.
The poll panel acknowledged that conducting the SIR exercise involves challenges due to the large volume of voter data and the digital nature of electoral records.
It reiterated that its responsibility is to ensure that all eligible citizens are included in the voter lists while removing inconsistencies and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
EC Defends Special Intensive Revision Before Supreme Court
Earlier, the Election Commission had strongly defended its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise before the Supreme Court, stating that the process was legally authorised and that the relevant orders had received unanimous approval from all three members of the Commission.
The poll panel also rejected allegations that Form 6 had been modified. In its response to a petition challenging the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the Commission’s decisions, the EC maintained that no changes had been made to the statutory Form 6 prescribed for voter registration.
The latest clarification is aimed at addressing concerns among previously registered voters whose names are missing from the draft electoral rolls and ensuring that eligible citizens do not lose their opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
