Election Commission responds to SIR rift report, says differing views are part of decision-making

The Commission said highlighting selected internal notes over 10 months, while leaving out the larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives, presented “only one part of the picture”. Representational pic

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday said differing views and internal notes among its members are a normal part of decision-making and do not alter the fact that its final decisions have been taken in accordance with the law.

The clarification, posted on the poll body's official X handle, followed a report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on multiple occasions over 10 months on steps linked to electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Commission did not name the report in the press note.

The ECI said it is a multi-member constitutional body under Article 324 and functions under statutory rules and established conventions. Written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks, it said, are standard practices aimed at ensuring transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour.

All official orders and administrative directions, the note said, carry full legal sanction and follow procedures under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.

Queries or inputs raised by Commission members at the draft stage were described as routine administrative practice aimed at safeguarding voter rights. Suggestions by the Commissioners, the ECI said, were intended to improve electoral processes.

"Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution. They are a part of the decision-making process before a final decision is taken," the press note said.

ECI highlights unanimous decisions, electoral reforms over past year

It added that not only the three Commissioners but every officer of the Commission is authorised to give suggestions for improving the electoral system.

The Commission said highlighting selected internal notes over 10 months, while leaving out the larger body of approvals, decisions, instructions and initiatives, presented "only one part of the picture".

In recent months, it said, it had taken numerous decisions, issued instructions, introduced around 40 new initiatives and undertaken electoral reforms, including roll revision and SIR across the country. All these decisions, the note said, were the outcome of unanimous decisions of the full Commission in the past one year.

It also pointed to the conduct of major elections in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal, as well as other election-related exercises during this period.

On digital systems, the ECI said platforms such as ECINet operate under data-security protocols to prevent unauthorised tampering or manipulation. Statutory authorities, including Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers, continue to exercise registration and deletion powers under law.

The Commission said it remains committed to discharging its constitutional duties with integrity.