Delhi SIR notice: Why you may have received one and what to do next

The Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, of the voter list in Delhi has become a major point of discussion, with questions being raised about why so many voters have received notices. The Election Commission has issued clarifications on the process and said the notices are part of checking and correcting voter records. According to the information provided by the election authorities, around 33 lakh voters have received notices during this stage of the SIR process. The list reportedly includes several well known people as well.

The notices have been issued to voters placed under categories such as “Unmapped with Last SIR” and “Logical Discrepancy”. These terms have caused confusion among voters, particularly those worried that receiving a notice could lead to their names being removed from the voter list.

Here is what the election authorities have said about the process and what voters need to do if they receive an SIR notice.WHY ARE SIR NOTICES BEING SENT?

According to Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Ashok Kumar, the verification is being carried out to make the voter list more accurate and updated.

Around 13.79 lakh voters reportedly have data that does not match the previous SIR list from 2002. These voters have been placed in the “Unmapped with Last SIR” category.

Another 19.33 lakh voters reportedly have certain inconsistencies in their information. These may relate to details such as their name, age or address. Such cases have been classified as “Logical Discrepancy”.

The notice is meant to help authorities verify and correct these details.DOES AN SIR NOTICE MEAN YOUR NAME WILL BE DELETED?

The election authorities have clarified that receiving an SIR notice does not mean that a voter's name has already been removed from the voter list.

According to the information provided by the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer, a voter cannot have their name removed without being given an opportunity to present their case and respond to the issue raised.

This means voters who receive a notice should not assume that their registration has automatically been cancelled. Instead, they should check the notice carefully and follow the instructions given by the election authorities.WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU RECEIVE A NOTICE?

The first step is to carefully check all the information mentioned in the notice. Voters should verify their name, EPIC or voter ID number, part number and the reason for receiving the notice.

The notice will also mention the date, time and place where the voter may have to appear before the Electoral Registration Officer, or ERO.

Voters should then collect the documents needed to address the discrepancy. The information provided by the election authorities says voters may need to submit self attested copies of relevant documents.WHICH DOCUMENTS CAN BE SUBMITTED?

The election authorities have listed 12 main documents that can be used for verification. The information provided includes documents such as an Aadhaar card, passport or birth certificate and a Class 10 or matriculation certificate.

Other documents mentioned include documents issued before July 1, 1987, by government departments, banks, post offices or LIC. Government or PSU employee or pensioner identity cards and permanent residence certificates are also among the documents listed.

Voters should check the specific requirements mentioned in their notice before submitting documents.WHAT IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE PROCESS?

Questions have also been raised about transparency in the SIR process. A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court, with petitioners raising concerns about the criteria and algorithm used to place voters into different categories.

According to election officials quoted in the RFA, the draft voter list published on August 31 is available on the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's official website. It is also available at the offices of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and polling stations.

The Supreme Court has also agreed to hear the matter concerning the rules and guidelines of the process.WHEN WILL THE FINAL VOTER LIST BE PUBLISHED?

According to the information provided in the RFA, election officials are expected to complete the disposal of the notices by October 29, 2026.

The final voter list for Delhi is scheduled to be published on November 4, 2026.

If a person's name has been removed by mistake or someone wants to apply for voter registration afresh, the RFA states that they can fill Form 6 through the Election Commission's Voter Services Portal, either online or offline.

For voters who have received an SIR notice, the immediate step is therefore to read the notice carefully, check the reason mentioned, prepare the relevant documents and follow the instructions given by the concerned election officer within the specified timeline.- EndsPublished By: Smarica PantPublished On: Sep 22, 2026 15:42 IST