During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi, a procedural notice was sent to Election Commissioner of India S.S. Sandhu. The notice, classified under the category “Discrepancy in Name,” stemmed from inconsistencies identified when his details were cross‑checked against the electoral roll of the previous revision, according to a statement from the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for Assembly Constituency‑38 (Delhi Cantt.).
Procedure for Notices in the SIR Exercise
The ERO explained that the Election Commission of India (ECI) follows a standard protocol that requires issuing notices to any electors whose current entries cannot be directly linked to the roll from the last revision. The notice also applies when logical mismatches arise during the linking process. Such notices are not an indication of deletion; rather, they serve as a request for clarification and additional documentation.
In the case of S.S. Sandhu, the ERO confirmed that all details, facts, and supporting documents submitted by him have been thoroughly verified. The officer further stated that Sandhu’s entry has already been validated and placed on the list for inclusion in the final electoral roll for AC‑38 (Delhi Cantt.), which is slated for publication on November 4, as per the ECI’s schedule.
The ERO also referenced the Commission’s May 14 instructions, specifically paragraph 4(b), which mandate that individuals from certain professional categories—including members of the judiciary, public representatives, and personalities from arts, culture, journalism, sports, and public services—who were previously flagged in the electoral database, be retained in the draft roll. This allows election officials to gather any required documents during the claims and objections period.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi clarified on Sunday that the issuance of notices during the SIR does not equate to removal of names from the roll. No elector can be deleted without an opportunity to be heard and without a proper, speaking and appealable order. Electors who receive notices are invited to submit replies and any pertinent documents to the concerned ERO or Booth Level Officer (BLO). The CEO’s office emphasized that the list of documents prescribed by the ECI is indicative rather than exhaustive, and that final decisions will be made on a case‑by‑case basis after reviewing the submitted evidence and the BLO’s report.
The deadline for disposing of all notices is October 29. After that date, the names of electors who responded satisfactorily will be incorporated into the final electoral roll, which the CEO plans to publish on November 4.
Numbers and Applications Received in Delhi’s SIR
According to the CEO’s daily bulletin, Delhi received a total of 84,263 Form‑6 applications between August 31 and September 19. This figure is in addition to the 212,400 Form‑6 applications recorded up to August 30. Form‑6 is the standard form used for the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
The bulletin also listed other forms received in the same period: 174 Form‑6A applications, 1,396 Form‑7 applications, and 29,705 Form‑8 applications. Form‑6A is typically used for inclusion of a spouse’s name, Form‑7 for removal of a name, and Form‑8 for address changes or other modifications to existing entries.
New voters who turn 18 on or before October 1, 2026, are eligible to apply using Form‑6. The CEO’s office urged citizens to verify their names in the draft electoral roll and to submit Form‑6 along with the required declaration and supporting documents if they find their names missing.
Claims and objections filed up to September 30 are scheduled to be resolved by October 29, after which the final roll will be released. Special electoral service camps are also planned for September 20 and September 27 at all polling stations, providing an opportunity for citizens to obtain assistance with registration, address changes, and other electoral services.
Implications for Voters and Next Steps
The issuance of a notice to a high‑profile figure such as Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu has drawn attention on both print and social media platforms. However, officials stress that the notice is a routine part of the verification process and does not imply any punitive action. The procedural safeguards ensure that every elector, regardless of status, receives a chance to present evidence supporting the correctness of their entry.
For ordinary voters, the ongoing SIR represents an opportunity to confirm that their details are accurately reflected in the upcoming final roll. The CEO’s reminder that the list of required documents is “only indicative” means that electors can seek clarification from their local ERO or BLO if they are unsure about the specific paperwork needed.
Once the final electoral roll is published on November 4, it will serve as the definitive list for the upcoming elections in Delhi. The roll’s accuracy is critical for ensuring that all eligible citizens can exercise their franchise without procedural hurdles.
In summary, while a notice marked as a name discrepancy was sent to Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu during Delhi’s Special Intensive Revision, the ERO has validated his entry and confirmed its inclusion in the final roll. The broader SIR exercise continues to process tens of thousands of applications, with a clear timeline for resolution and publication set for early November.
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