PolityGovernance
News 3 of 25

Election Commission Rift: Two ECs Flag Unauthorized Changes to Electoral Roll System

PolityCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCTeachingSSC GAPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
22 Sept 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:97 eligible voters blocked in Goa2023 Act (unanimity principle)14 times objections recorded over 10 monthsForm-6 changeSIR details
Bodies:Election Commission of IndiaCabinet Secretary
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Two Election Commissioners (Sukhbir Sandhu & Vivek Joshi) recorded objections against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over centralized control of the electoral roll IT system, violating the decentralized safeguard.

2.Software changes to Form-6 now require new voters to disclose parent/grandparent details from the SIR, potentially linking a child's enrollment to contested parent entries.

3.Commissioners alleged decisions were taken and orders issued without their knowledge or consultation, violating the 'unanimity as far as possible' principle under the 2023 Act.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Two Election Commissioners have publicly recorded objections against the CEC, alleging unauthorized centralization of the electoral roll system, illegal changes to voter forms, and being kept in the dark on key decisions. This unprecedented internal dissent strikes at the core of electoral integrity and raises concerns about checks and balances within the ECI.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Dissenting ECsSukhbir Singh Sandhu & Vivek Joshi
CECGyanesh Kumar
Core IssueCentralized IT control overriding ERO decisions
Case Study (Goa)97 eligible voters denied roll entry despite ERO approval due to software block
Legal PrincipleECI must act 'as far as possible, unanimously' (2023 Act)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Dissenting ECs: Sukhbir Singh Sandhu & Vivek Joshi
  • ›CEC: Gyanesh Kumar
  • ›Target this Data: 97 eligible voters in Goa denied enrollment despite ERO approval due to software block
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (constitutional body under Article 324)
  • ›Target this Legal Point: 2023 Act requires ECI to act 'as far as possible, unanimously'; principle of majority decision-making

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which constitutional body is responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India:

1. The ECI is a three-member body consisting of a Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

2. The 2023 Act requires the Commission to act 'as far as possible, unanimously', meaning all decisions must be unanimous.

3. The two Election Commissioners in the news, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, recorded objections that decisions were taken without their knowledge.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, how many eligible persons in Goa were denied enrollment on the electoral roll despite the ERO's approval, due to a software block from the EC's central IT system?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary institutional concern raised by the two Election Commissioners about the centralization of the electoral roll IT system?

All 25 MCQs ▸
You finished this topic
Explore Related Topics
Related Current Affairs
Polity Current Affairs

ECINet Centralization: Election Commissioners Flag RP Act 1950 Violation to Cabinet Secretary

The Election Commission's ECINet platform centralized control of the electoral roll, violating the decentralized framework of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Two Election Commissioners, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, repeatedly flagged this internal breach, and an unprecedented complaint was escalated to the Cabinet Secretary after oversight of the IT division was removed. This rift within the ECI threatens electoral integrity and raises fundamental questions about legal compliance.

Polity Current Affairs

Two Election Commissioners Flag Unauthorised Changes to Electoral Rolls and ERONet Access | Dissent Challenges CEC Powers

Two Election Commissioners appointed under the 2023 law have publicly questioned the centralisation of electoral roll management, unauthorised changes to Form 6, and restrictions on state-level officials' access to ERONet. This exposes internal rifts in the Election Commission and raises critical questions about the balance of power between the CEC and ECs, the autonomy of state election machinery, and the sanctity of the electoral process under the new legal framework.

Polity Current Affairs

Election Commission's SIR Deletes 13 Crore Names from Draft Rolls; Raises Questions on Population & Voting Rights

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has led to the deletion of 13 crore names from draft rolls, including nearly one-third of Delhi's electorate. This article by a former Chief Election Commissioner uses satire to highlight the absurdity of treating electoral roll deletions as a solution to India's population problem, while drawing parallels with the Assam NRC and warning of potential disenfranchisement of eligible citizens.

Polity Current Affairs

Election Commission's SIR Deletes 13.37 Crore Names from Draft Rolls; Delhi Deletion Rate Highest at 32.8%

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has resulted in deletion of over 13 crore names across 30 states/UTs, with Delhi recording the highest deletion rate of 32.8%. This is the first intensive revision in two decades, and the Supreme Court has upheld the SIR order. For UPSC aspirants, this is critical for understanding electoral reforms, the role of the Election Commission, and the legal framework of voter registration.

Polity Current Affairs

ECI Voter Roll Integrity Crisis: Right to Vote vs Software, Form 6 Changes Under Scrutiny

An Indian Express investigation reveals that two Election Commissioners objected to key decisions on electoral rolls, raising constitutional questions about the right to vote being subordinated to software and bureaucratic rules. The article, written by RJD MP in Rajya Sabha, warns against the 'bureaucratisation of citizen’s right to vote' and highlights the 97 Goa voters left out due to software limitations.

Polity Current Affairs

ECI Extends Delhi SIR Electoral Roll Deadline to Dec 4, BLO Home Visits for Notices

The Election Commission of India has extended the deadline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Delhi's electoral rolls to December 4, giving residents more time to file claims and objections. Notably, voters with discrepancies will no longer need to appear at election offices; Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will now visit homes to collect documents.

Polity Current Affairs

ECI SIR Process: 93% Inclusion Rate in WB Appeals; SC Hearing on Voter Deletions in Delhi & WB

The ECI's SIR process has led to massive disenfranchisement in West Bengal and Delhi. With only 3.2% of appeals disposed and 93% of those restored, the process is deeply flawed. The Supreme Court is hearing petitions; this has major implications for electoral integrity and universal adult franchise.

Polity Current Affairs

ECI Freezes Trinamool Congress Name & Symbol: 41% West Bengal Voters Affected, 'Party Theft' Alleged

ECI on September 17, 2026 froze the name and symbol of the Trinamool Congress due to rival faction claims. This action affects over 2.60 crore voters (41% of West Bengal electorate) and has been accused by opposition parties as 'party theft' and a sign of democratic decline, raising serious questions about the neutrality of the Election Commission.