New Delhi, Nov 3: The Election Commission on Tuesday allayed fears of voters whose names are missing from draft SIR rolls, saying they can submit Form 6 for fresh inclusion even if they were enrolled previously.
The clarification came amid concerns that Form 6 carries a declaration that the applicant is seeking inclusion for the first time, which could amount to false declaration and invite prosecution under Section 31 of RP Act, 1950.
In a letter to all CEOs, the EC said submission of Form 6 when name is deleted from draft SIR roll would not by itself constitute false declaration.
“An ERO cannot initiate action under Section 31 merely because an elector who was on earlier roll submits Form 6 during or after SIR,” EC said, adding that such action is barred unless elector is enrolled elsewhere or has made unlawful declaration.
It cited Delhi High Court’s October 14 judgment to say apprehension was misplaced.
Reacting to the clarification, Congress said it is “another set of word games that clarifies nothing.”
“The Form 6 declaration plainly asks if you are applying for inclusion for the first time. EC’s clarification that re-inclusion can be considered first-time is a deceptive word game to cover up flawed process,” Congress communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh said on X.
“No amount of damage control can fix flawed SIR. It deletes voters first, then asks them to apply as new voters. SIR needs to be stopped,” he said, adding SIR is “designed for exclusion.” (Agencies)
