Kumar Bahukhandi
The Election Commission of India headquarters at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the Commission’s submission before the Delhi High Court concerning two voters whose names were deleted during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls brought renewed attention to Form 6 as a procedure for seeking inclusion in the electoral register. Photo: (File Photo)
Election Commission informs High Court that two petitioners seeking restoration of their names in Delhi’s electoral rolls can submit Form 6, offering an administrative route to address their grievances
Key Highlights
- Election Commission of India informs Delhi High Court that affected voters can submit Form 6 for inclusion in electoral rolls.
- Two petitioners approached the court after their names were deleted following an incomplete enumeration process.
- The case concerns the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the national capital.
- Form 6 provides a prescribed procedure for applying for inclusion in the electoral register.
- The Commission’s submission brings attention to the importance of procedural safeguards and voters’ electoral rights.
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Delhi High Court that two voters whose names were deleted from the electoral rolls after they could not complete the enumeration process during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the national capital can submit Form 6 to seek inclusion of their names. The submission was made during proceedings on a petition seeking restoration of the two individuals’ names to the electoral register.
The Commission’s position places the prescribed electoral registration procedure at the centre of the dispute, while raising broader questions about how voters affected by revision exercises can secure the restoration of their electoral eligibility.
Election Commission Places Form 6 Before High Court as Available Remedy
During the proceedings, the Election Commission informed the Delhi High Court that the two petitioners could use Form 6 to address their grievances.
The petitioners had approached the court after their names were removed from the electoral rolls following their inability to complete the enumeration process associated with the Special Intensive Revision.
The Commission’s submission indicated that the affected individuals could apply for inclusion through the established electoral registration mechanism.
However, submitting Form 6 does not automatically result in the restoration of a voter’s name. Applications are subject to scrutiny and verification by the competent electoral registration authorities in accordance with applicable rules.
What Is Form 6 and How Does It Help Voters?
Form 6 is the prescribed application used by eligible individuals seeking inclusion of their names in the electoral roll of a constituency.
It is commonly used by first-time voters and eligible persons whose names are not presently included in the relevant electoral register.
Applicants are generally required to provide personal particulars and supporting information necessary to establish their eligibility for registration.
The Electoral Registration Officer examines applications according to the prescribed procedure before deciding whether a name should be included.
In the present case, the Commission has indicated that the two petitioners may follow this process to seek inclusion following the deletion of their names.
Special Intensive Revision Brings Electoral Registration Procedures Into Focus
The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is intended to examine and update voter records through a structured verification process.
Such exercises involve the collection and examination of electoral information to determine whether entries meet the applicable registration requirements.
The case before the Delhi High Court concerns two voters who were unable to complete the enumeration process and subsequently found their names deleted.
Their petition highlights the practical difficulties that can arise when individuals fail to complete prescribed formalities during an electoral revision exercise.
It also underscores the importance of ensuring that eligible citizens have access to clearly communicated procedures for addressing omissions or deletions.
Electoral Registration and the Right to Vote
Electoral rolls form the administrative foundation of India’s electoral process.
A person’s eligibility to vote depends not only on meeting the applicable legal requirements but also on being registered in the electoral roll of the relevant constituency.
Consequently, the omission or deletion of a name can have significant implications for an otherwise eligible voter.
The legal framework provides procedures for inclusion, correction and objections relating to electoral entries.
While the Commission has identified Form 6 as an available route in the present matter, the wider question of whether the petitioners’ deletions were procedurally justified is distinct from the availability of a fresh application.
The information presently available does not establish that the Delhi High Court has delivered a final ruling on that question.
Clear Communication and Timely Redressal Remain Essential
The proceedings also draw attention to the need for accessible voter information during large-scale electoral roll revisions.
Citizens must be able to understand the documentation required, the procedures for completing enumeration and the steps available if their names are omitted or deleted.
Electoral authorities, meanwhile, must ensure that applications and objections are handled according to the statutory framework.
Timely communication becomes particularly important when an election is approaching, as delays in registration may affect an applicant’s ability to participate.
Voters Advised to Verify Their Electoral Registration
The Commission’s submission serves as a reminder that citizens should periodically verify whether their names appear in the electoral rolls.
Individuals who discover that their names are missing can consult the relevant Electoral Registration Officer or use the Election Commission’s official voter services to determine the appropriate application procedure.
Applications for inclusion may be made through Form 6, subject to the prescribed eligibility and verification requirements.
The official Election Commission voter services portal is available at voters.eci.gov.in.
High Court Proceedings Highlight Importance of Electoral Safeguards
The matter before the Delhi High Court illustrates the relationship between electoral administration and citizens’ ability to exercise their voting rights.
While the Election Commission has pointed to Form 6 as an available remedy for the two petitioners, the case highlights the need for transparent procedures and effective grievance redressal during electoral roll revision exercises.
Ensuring the accuracy of electoral registers and protecting the legitimate interests of eligible voters remain complementary responsibilities of the electoral administration.
