Election Integrity at Stake? Tamil Nadu's SIR Faces Legal Challenges and Public Scrutiny

The Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls began recently across nine states and three union territories, including Tamil Nadu, with distribution of enumeration forms progressing steadily. According to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Tamil Nadu, 61.34% of the forms reached registered voters within the first week of the exercise.

This ambitious electoral roll update involves more than 5.3 lakh Booth Level Officers and 7.6 lakh Booth Level Agents performing house-to-house verification to ensure a comprehensive and accurate voter database ahead of upcoming elections.

District-wise progress varies significantly, with Perambalur district topping the list by distributing 94.41% of enumeration forms, while Chengalpattu recorded a low 22.8%. Despite successful distribution, technical challenges such as data discrepancies are being reported and addressed through helpline support.

The SIR aims to include new eligible voters, remove duplicates, and eliminate deceased or shifted entries, enhancing electoral integrity. Electors can verify and update their information digitally or via designated officers to participate in the democratic process effectively.

Key Highlights:

61.34% of enumeration forms distributed in Tamil Nadu within first week of SIR​

SIR covers 9 states and 3 UTs with nearly 51 crore electors involved​

Perambalur leads districts with 94.41% form distribution; Chengalpattu lowest at 22.8%​

Over 5.3 lakh Booth Level Officers and 7.64 lakh Agents engaged for house-to-house visits​

Digital verification and helpline facilities available for voter support​

Sources: Chief Electoral Officer Tamil Nadu, Election Commission of India, Hindustan Times, Press Information Bureau