Will deletion of names from SIR result in cancellation of citizenship? Many important questions related to SIR answered here

New Delhi: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is in full swing in nine states and three union territories. Under the SIR process, a separate BLO has been appointed for each polling station, and BLOs are visiting voters’ homes, giving them two copies of the Enumeration Form, which they must fill out and return to the BLO.

However, with the SIR process underway, people are concerned and fearful that if their names are deleted from the voter list during the SIR process, they will not be able to re-include their names in the voter list. Will this affect their citizenship? Let’s find out what the Election Commission’s (ECI’s) instructions are in this regard.

Election Commission’s Instructions Regarding Citizenship

During the Supreme Court hearing on the SIR process, the Election Commission clearly stated that the SIR process and citizenship are separate entities. If a person fails to register on the voter list, their citizenship will not be revoked. This means that not being on the voter list is not a ground for revoking citizenship.

During the Supreme Court hearing, the Election Commission stated that under the Constitution and law, the Election Commission has the authority to demand citizenship-related documents so that people can exercise their right to vote.

If a name is deleted, will they be able to get it included in the voter list again?

There is also concern among people that if their name is deleted from the voter list during the SIR, will they be able to get it added again? A senior Election Commission official stated that the SIR process is merely a process for purging the voter list. Its purpose is to include eligible citizens in the voter list and remove the names of those who are not eligible.

Experts say that if a person’s name is not included in the voter list during the SIR process, there is no need to panic. A person can still get their name included in the voter list later by submitting a certificate, just as they would under the normal process.

December 4 is the deadline for submitting the Enumeration Form

The Election Commission has currently set December 4 as the deadline for submitting the Enumeration Form. The Election Commission claims that BLOs have distributed the forms to most voters. The Election Commission claimed that approximately 98 per cent of the enumeration forms have been distributed, and the process of collecting them is underway.

According to information provided by the Election Commission, if a voter’s name is on the 2002 or 2003 voter list, they must fill in the column on the right side of the form and link it, i.e., enter the EPIC card number, Assembly constituency, serial number, and part number from that time.

The form can also be filled online

If a voter’s name is not on the 2002 or 2003 voter list, they must fill in the name of their parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents in the second column of the form and link it. They must also add a new photo and submit the form. No documents are required to be submitted to the BLO during this process. After collecting the form, the BLO will sign one copy and return it to the voter, keeping one.

If no member is present at home when the BLO visits, there is no problem. The BLO will visit the home three times, and any one member of the household can complete the form. Those currently away from home or living in another city can also fill out the form online by linking their EPIC card to their mobile number, or another family member can submit the form on their behalf.

If your name is missing from the 2002 voter list, do this

Many people have complained that a family member’s name is missing from the 2002 or 2003 voter list. Even in such a situation, they can fill out the Enumeration Form. The District Election Office will then issue a notice, and a hearing will be held. During the hearing, the voter will be required to submit one of the 10 documents prescribed by the Election Commission, such as a school certificate, domicile certificate, passport, birth certificate, etc. These documents will be verified.

After the BLO’s work is completed, the Election Commission will release a draft voter list. Voters can check their names online to see if their names appear on the draft list. If their names are missing, they can file a complaint within the stipulated time. The Election Commission has given a one-month deadline for this.