SIR: EC separates Form 6, declaration in online submission process; mandates separate OTPs

The Election Commission has implemented its Supreme Court affidavit by separating the new voter enrolment form and its accompanying declaration in its online system across states where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise is ongoing.

In September, the poll authority had already removed the declaration from its digital platforms in states where the SIR of voters' list was complete.

Form 6 is used by individuals seeking inclusion in the electoral roll. Following the Bihar SIR, the commission added a declaration form requesting parent SIR details for those submitting Form 6.


While physical forms required filling the two documents separately, the digital process previously used a single OTP for both, raising suggestions that the Election Commission had modified Form 6 without Union law ministry approval.

Election Commission officials stated on Wednesday that the submission workflow for the statutory Form 6 and the accompanying declaration has been revised.

"Previously, Form 6 and the accompanying declaration were submitted together using a single OTP and e-Sign for the operational convenience of applicants. Under the revised process, each must be submitted separately, requiring a separate OTP verification and e-Sign. Applicants must complete both steps for successful submission," a senior functionary told PTI.

In its recent counter affidavit before the apex court, the commission noted that based on an October 21 decision by its electoral roll division, "similar to physical submissions, online applications in Form 6 shall also be divided into two distinct parts: Form 6 as prescribed in the Rules; and the SIR Declaration.

On Tuesday, the EC clarified that previously enrolled voters can submit Form 6 for inclusion if their names are missing from draft SIR rolls.

This clarification addresses concerns among existing voters that filling Form 6, which includes a declaration stating the applicant is applying for the first time, might be viewed as a false declaration subject to legal prosecution under electoral law.