EC Mandates Parents' SIR Details for New Voter Registrations – Implications for Electoral Roll Revision

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a fresh instruction: anyone applying for inclusion in the voter list must attach the SIR details of their parents. This applies both to existing voters who missed earlier SIR declarations and to fresh applicants filing Form 6 . Key Developments EC instruction makes parent‑SIR declaration mandatory for all new voter applicants. Declaration is required before a Form 6 can be submitted online; the form itself remains unchanged. The rule was first introduced in Bihar’s SIR rollout in June 2025 and is now being applied nationwide. EC defends the SIR process against criticism from UN Special Rapporteurs, citing Supreme Court endorsement and procedural transparency. Approximately 6.4% of names were deleted from draft lists in four states and one Union Territory during the ongoing SIR. Important Facts The SIR aims to achieve three objectives: (i) add all eligible Indian citizens, (ii) delete duplicate, deceased, shifted, absent, and foreign voters, and (iii) ensure the electoral roll reflects current demographics. The EC emphasises that the parent‑SIR declaration helps map electors accurately and reduces the number of supporting documents a new voter must submit. Critics, including UN Special Rapporteurs, have raised concerns about lack of transparency and alleged bias against minority voters. The EC counters that every deletion is published in a draft list, giving affected individuals a chance to challenge the decision, and that the Supreme Court has upheld the SIR’s legality. UPSC Relevance Understanding the SIR is crucial for GS 2 (Polity) as it deals with the functioning of the EC, electoral reforms, and the legal framework governing voter registration. The role of the UN Special Rapporteurs highlights India’s interaction with international human‑rights mechanisms, a topic in GS 1. The Supreme Court’s endorsement links to constitutional law, another GS 2 focus. Way Forward Voters should verify their names in the draft list and promptly file objections if omitted. State election officers mu