Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
In one line: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a house-to-house re-verification of every elector, ordered by the Election Commission under Article 324 and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
How it works
In an ordinary revision, the existing roll is updated with additions and deletions. In an intensive revision, the roll is prepared afresh after Booth Level Officers visit every household and electors establish their eligibility. Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 lets the Election Commission direct a special revision of the roll for any constituency, at any time, for reasons recorded.
Why it is in the news
The SIR began in Bihar in June 2025 and ended there in September 2025 with about 47 lakh names deleted. Phase II (nine States and three UTs, October to December 2025) deleted about 5.18 crore names. Phase III was announced on 14 May 2026 for 16 States and three UTs, with over 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers covering about 36.73 crore electors. On 27 May 2026 the Supreme Court upheld the SIR as consistent with the Representation of the People Act and within the Commission's mandate.
Where to go next
- Article 326 and adult suffrage
- Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021
Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the news
- Supreme Court says it never approved the modified Form 6, issues notice to the EC 6 October 2026
Why an intensive revision makes form design so important.
- Op-ed: After the SIR, use Aadhaar to keep voter rolls clean 15 September 2026
What the SIR is, its legal basis and its three phases.
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS2 · 10 marks Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship…
- 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.
- 2017 · GS2 · 15 marks To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make…
- 2017 · Prelims Right to vote and to be elected in India is a (a) Fundamental Right (b) Natural Right (c) Constitutional Right (d) Legal Right