Will the SC Resolve ECI's SIR Extension Requests by December 31?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court grants petitioners more time to submit representations regarding the SIR of electoral rolls in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. ECI's decision is anticipated by December 31, amid concerns over data security and voter deletions. What’s next for the electoral process as the deadline approaches?
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court allows petitioners more time for SIR.
- Decision from ECI is expected by December 31.
- Concerns about voter deletions are central to the petitions.
- Data security issues have been raised regarding volunteer involvement.
- Bihar was the first to initiate the SIR process.
New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) On Thursday, the Supreme Court permitted petitioners seeking an extension for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh to present their cases to the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is expected to make a decision by December 31.
A panel consisting of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued this instruction while examining a series of petitions that challenged the current SIR process in various states and requested extra time for completing the enumeration task.
The CJI Surya Kant-led panel instructed the ECI to conclude its deliberations on the representations by December 31 and report back to the highest court.
During the session, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, claimed extensive removal of voters’ names during the SIR process in Kerala.
“A total of twenty-five lakh names have been eliminated. The husband's name is absent, yet the wife's name remains. Once the authorities discover this, they also remove the wife's name,” Sibal argued, noting that December 18 marked the last day of the enumeration phase in the state.
Senior counsel Siddharth Luthra raised concerns regarding the urgency of the intensive revision in Uttar Pradesh, given that Assembly elections are not scheduled until 2027.
“Let the ECI provide a response within the next three weeks,” the panel stated, adding that senior lawyer Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the election authority, would begin his submissions on behalf of the ECI on January 6, 2026.
The Supreme Court declined to hear an additional plea concerning worries over sensitive data being shared with volunteers during the enumeration.
Highlighting data security issues, the petition contended that volunteer involvement in the process had resulted in citizens’ personal information being disseminated to private entities.
Bihar was the first state to initiate the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) on June 24, 2025. Currently, twelve additional states and Union Territories, including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry, are undergoing the same rigorous process.
Point of View
I believe that the Supreme Court's decision to allow more time for the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is crucial for ensuring a fair electoral process. The concerns regarding the deletion of voters’ names and the security of personal data must be addressed comprehensively to maintain public trust in our democratic system.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process implemented by the Election Commission to update and ensure the accuracy of electoral rolls.
Why did the Supreme Court intervene?
The Supreme Court intervened to allow petitioners more time to submit their representations regarding the SIR process, ensuring that concerns over voter deletions and data security are duly considered.
When is the ECI expected to make a decision?
The Election Commission of India is expected to make a decision on the representations by December 31.
Which states are currently undergoing SIR?
As of now, states like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and others including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are undergoing the Special Intensive Revision.
What concerns were raised about data security?
Petitioners have raised concerns that the involvement of volunteers in the enumeration process may lead to the sharing of citizens’ personal data with private entities.
