"SIR order issued with unanimous approval": ECI issues clarification amid political row
The Election Commission of India clarifies that all Special Intensive Revision orders were passed with unanimous approval, dismissing claims of internal dissent.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped forward to clear the air regarding recent controversies surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a decisive move to address political friction, the poll body clarified on Saturday that all decisions concerning the SIR schedule were reached through the unanimous approval of the Commission.
This clarification follows reports suggesting internal disagreements among the top brass of the ECI. The Commission sought to set the record straight, emphasizing that its decision-making processes remain unified and legally sound.
Addressing the SIR Schedule and Supreme Court Upholding
During a press conference held at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi, Ashish Goyal, the Director General (Media) for the ECI, detailed the timeline of the SIR process. He noted that the Commission has been working systematically across various regions to update electoral rolls.
Key details regarding the SIR implementation include:
- Nationwide Rollout: An order issued on June 24, 2025, initiated the SIR process starting with Bihar and West Bengal, eventually covering 30 other States and Union Territories.
- Unanimous Consent: The ECI maintained that this nationwide order was approved by all members of the Commission.
- Judicial Validation: The Commission highlighted that the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India upheld this order in its ruling dated May 27, 2026.
- Phased Implementation: Schedules for 12 States and UTs were released on October 27, 2025, while schedules for another 19 States and UTs were issued on May 14, 2026.
As of now, the SIR has been successfully completed in 20 States and Union Territories. The final count of electors will only be confirmed once the Phase-III process is finished and the rolls are officially published in the remaining 12 States and UTs.
Clarification on the Cabinet Secretary Letter
Beyond the electoral rolls, the ECI also addressed a specific point of contention involving a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary. While some interpreted this as a shift in policy, the ECI clarified that the communication was strictly administrative in nature.
The poll body explained that the letter pertained to the functioning of an officer on deputation rather than any policy decision made by the Commission or its IT division. The ECI noted that certain work redistribution orders issued by the officer in question were never actually implemented following orders from two Commissioners. Furthermore, the Commission clarified that the oversight of the IT division by the Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) was never withdrawn.
Context of the Controversy
The ECI's formal statement comes in response to media reports claiming that the SIR process faced internal resistance. Specifically, reports had suggested that Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections to various orders, alleging that decisions were being made without their knowledge.
By issuing this clarification, the ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar alongside Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, aims to project a front of total consensus and operational stability.