‘What is the Purpose of SIR if Citizens are Left Out?’ Bombay HC Questions EC

The Bombay High Court questioned the Election Commission over the removal of six Indian citizens, including Paresh Salgaonkar and five family members, from Goa’s electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

The family had reportedly submitted Form 8 to update their address after shifting residence, but their names were removed from the voter list.

HC Questions Purpose of SIR

A bench of Justices Valmiki Menezes and Amit Jamsandekar reportedly questioned the purpose of SIR if eligible Indian citizens were excluded from the electoral rolls.

The court said the exercise should establish whether a voter is an Indian citizen, rather than merely checking whether the person lives at a particular location.

Court Flags ‘Catch-22’ Situation

The bench also referred to Rule 21 of the Electoral Registration Rules, 1960, and questioned whether the existing voter list should be considered during the revision process.

The court raised four major questions: 

• Whether a registered voter who has shifted residence should be asked to file Form 6 as a new voter.
• Whether rejecting Form 8 leaves such voters without an effective remedy.
• Whether voters were properly notified before their names were removed.
• Why voters should sign an enumeration form containing a declaration that may not reflect their current residence.

EC Defends Process

Election Commission counsel Gaurish Agni reportedly said notices were displayed on notice boards because officials did not have updated information about voters who had moved.

The Commission also said Salgaonkar could file Form 6 in his new area, as the SIR was intended to prepare the electoral roll afresh.

The bench questioned this, saying that asking an already registered voter to declare themselves a new voter could amount to a false declaration. The court directed the EC to produce the enumeration form and related documents. The hearing will continue on Tuesday.