Why Did the Election Commission Separate the SIR Declaration from Form 6?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has separated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)-related declaration from Form 6, which is used to apply for the inclusion of new names in electoral rolls. The decision follows objections raised by two Election Commissioners, with the revised arrangement implemented on the ECINET portal on November 4 and 5.

Under the new system, applicants seeking to register as voters will no longer be required to submit the SIR declaration along with Form 6. The change, which had earlier been introduced in states where the SIR exercise was completed, has now been extended to states where the revision process is still underway.

What Is Form 6?

Form 6 is an official application form prescribed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the inclusion of a person's name in the electoral roll (voter list).

In simple terms, an eligible Indian citizen whose name is not included in the voter list can apply for registration using Form 6. It is primarily intended for first-time voters and other eligible citizens seeking inclusion in the electoral roll.

Who Can Apply Using Form 6?

The following categories of people can apply through Form 6:

1. Indian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years.

2. First-time voters whose names are not included in the electoral roll.

3. Eligible citizens whose names are missing from the voter list and who seek inclusion in the relevant constituency.

What Information Is Required?

Applicants generally need to provide the following details:

• Name and date of birth.

• Residential address.

• Details of parents or spouse, as applicable.

• Recent photograph.

• Age and address proof documents, as prescribed by the Election Commission.

Why Is Form 6 in the News?

During the ongoing SIR exercise, the Election Commission introduced an additional declaration related to SIR alongside Form 6 on the ECINET portal.

The move triggered controversy because the additional declaration sought information relating to applicants' families and their previous electoral-roll records. Two Election Commissioners reportedly objected to its inclusion without a formal amendment to the prescribed form.

Following these objections, the Commission decided to separate the additional declaration from Form 6.

An important distinction: Form 6 is the prescribed application for voter registration, whereas the SIR declaration was an additional requirement introduced in connection with the electoral-roll revision exercise.

Why Is Form 6 Itself Controversial?

The controversy involves a specific legal and procedural issue concerning the use of Form 6 during the SIR exercise.

• Original purpose: Form 6 is primarily intended for first-time voter registration and the inclusion of eligible citizens whose names are not on the electoral roll.

• Use during SIR: During the revision exercise, voters whose names were missing from the draft electoral roll were also required to use Form 6 to seek fresh inclusion.

• Declaration-related concerns: This created confusion because Form 6 contains a declaration associated with first-time registration.

• Possibility of legal complications: Concerns were raised that existing voters seeking restoration of their names could face difficulties because of the declarations required under the form.

The issue also came under scrutiny before the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the Election Commission clarified its position and separated the SIR declaration from the online Form 6 application.

In states where the SIR exercise is still underway, the declaration will be submitted separately rather than as part of Form 6.

What Does This Change Mean for Voters?

The separation of the SIR declaration from Form 6 is an important procedural change. It means that eligible citizens applying for inclusion in the electoral roll will no longer have to submit the additional SIR declaration as part of the Form 6 application on the ECINET portal.

However, this does not mean that the SIR verification process has been withdrawn. The revision exercise will continue under the Election Commission's prescribed procedures, with the declaration handled separately where applicable.