What If Your Name Does Not Appear in SIR? Procedure and Remedies Available

What If Your Name Does Not Appear in SIR? Procedure and Remedies Available

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is undertaken to ensure that only eligible voters are included and inaccuracies are removed. If you discover that your name does not appear in the SIR voter list, it does not mean you have permanently lost your right to vote. Indian election law provides clear procedures and remedies to address such exclusion.

Why Names Can Be Missing in SIR

Names may be omitted due to non-submission of forms, mismatch in personal details, migration, duplication, death records, or errors during verification. Sometimes, voters are marked as “absent” during field verification and deleted without adequate follow-up.

Procedure to Get Name Included

If your name is missing, you should immediately:

1. Check the draft electoral roll published during SIR for your constituency.
2. File Form 6 (application for inclusion of name) with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
3. Attach supporting documents such as proof of age, residence, and identity.
4. Attend verification, if called upon by the Booth Level Officer (BLO).

These applications can be filed online through the voter services portal or physically at the ERO’s office under the supervision of the Election Commission of India.

 Remedies Available

If your application is rejected or not decided:

• You may file an objection or appeal before the District Election Officer.
• A statutory appeal lies to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State.
• In cases of arbitrary deletion or violation of natural justice, you may approach the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution by filing a writ petition.

Courts have consistently held that the right to vote is a statutory right, and unlawful exclusion from electoral rolls can be judicially reviewed.

FAQs

1. Can my name be deleted without notice?
No. Law requires reasonable opportunity of hearing before deletion, except in limited cases like death.

2. Which form is used if my name is missing?
Form 6 is used for inclusion of name in the electoral roll.

3. Can I vote if my name is missing on polling day?
No. Your name must appear in the final electoral roll.

4. Is online application valid?
Yes. Online applications are legally valid and commonly used.

5. Can courts restore my name urgently?
Yes, High Courts can grant urgent relief in cases of illegal or arbitrary deletion.