Speaking on the issue, Senthil described the SIR as an extensive and highly complex exercise, comparable to rebuilding electoral rolls almost from scratch. He explained that the process involves door-to-door verification, assessing the authenticity of voters, understanding their residential status, and preparing detailed reports—tasks that demand time, consistency, and procedural clarity.
Senthil outlined the three fundamental conditions required for a person to be included in the electoral roll: the individual must be an Indian citizen, must have attained the age of 18 years, and must be “ordinarily resident” at the address where they seek registration. He pointed out that the concept of “ordinary residence” lacks a clear and universally applicable definition, particularly in a country where large numbers of people migrate temporarily for work. In such cases, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are expected to determine whether a person genuinely resides at the registered address, a responsibility that requires careful judgment and adequate verification time.
According to the Congress leader, the SIR has traditionally been carried out at a measured pace, often taking close to two years to complete in order to ensure accuracy and fairness. However, he alleged that the Election Commission is now attempting to compress this extensive process into a much shorter timeframe, while simultaneously deviating from its own prescribed procedures. This accelerated approach, he argued, increases the risk of inconsistencies, errors, and wrongful exclusions from the voter list.
Senthil warned that the apparent haste and lack of uniformity in the implementation of SIR have already created confusion and anxiety among voters across the country. He emphasized that electoral rolls form the backbone of any democratic process, and any perception of arbitrariness or procedural lapses could have far-reaching consequences for electoral integrity.
The concerns raised underscore a broader debate over transparency, administrative diligence, and the need for adherence to established norms in election-related exercises. As scrutiny over the SIR process grows, the issue is likely to intensify discussions on how electoral authorities balance efficiency with accuracy in safeguarding the right to vote.
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