Open Access Research Article
SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION (SIR) OF ELECTORAL ROLLS: A CONSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Free and fair elections constitute one of the basic features
of the Constitution of India[1]. The legitimacy of every election
depends not only upon peaceful
polling and accurate
counting of votes but also
upon the correctness of the electoral roll from which those votes are cast.
Recognising this constitutional importance, Article 324[2]
entrusts the Election
Commission of India with
the responsibility of preparing and
maintaining electoral rolls.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls undertaken by the Election
Commission generated considerable constitutional debate. While the Commission justified the exercise as necessary for maintaining accurate
electoral rolls by removing duplicate, erroneous and ineligible entries,
concerns were raised that the process might unintentionally result in the
exclusion of genuine electors because
of documentary or procedural difficulties. These issues
eventually came before the Supreme
Court.
This paper examines the constitutional validity
of the SIR by analysing
the relevant constitutional provisions, the Representation of the People
Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules,
1960[3], important judicial precedents and the Supreme Court's decision upholding the exercise. It also examines whether the constitutional objective of maintaining accurate
electoral rolls can be
effectively balanced with the
equally important democratic objective
of ensuring that no eligible
citizen is denied
participation in the electoral process
except in accordance with law.
The paper
concludes that while the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity
of the SIR,
its long-term success
will depend upon transparent implementation, procedural fairness
and continued public confidence in the electoral process.
Published Paper
Author Details
Authors: ROHAN ARUN WAGHMARE
Registration ID: 1013180 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13180
Year: Sep-2026 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 6
Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, India
Page No.: 1020-1037
Article Information
SPECIAL INTENSIVE REVISION (SIR) OF ELECTORAL ROLLS: A CONSTITUTIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: ROHAN ARUN WAGHMARE
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Volume 3
- Issue 6
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- AbbreviationIJLRA
- ISSN2582-6433
- AccessOpen Access
- LicenseCC 4.0
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