What is the common examiner trap about Polity in UPSC exams?

They may ask about the net trim percentage (10.2%) but swap it with a gross deletion figure. They might also confuse the role of the Supreme Court (managerial supervision in this case) with judicial adjudication on constitutional principles.

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Polity for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 36.73 crore electors covered in Phase 3 of SIR. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (ECI) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). 3. Target this Legal Point: Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

PolityGovernance

Take AI Challenge ▸

News 3 of 23

ECI Announces 3rd Phase of SIR Covering 36.73 Cr Electors in 16 States & 3 UTs Amidst Concerns Over Disenfranchisement

Q: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an exercise conducted by which constitutional body?

Election Commission of India, The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324 of the Constitution, is the permanent body responsible for the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections, including the revision of electoral rolls as mentioned in the article.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls: 1. The third phase of SIR covers a combined electorate of 36.73 crore across 16 States and three Union Territories. 2. The second phase of SIR led to a net increase in the electoral rolls across all states due to improved enumeration. 3. A key criticism of the SIR process has been the centralization of data and decision-making in ECI authorities in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as per the article. Statement 2 is incorrect because Phase 2 resulted in a net trim (decrease) of 10.2%, not an increase. Statement 3 is correct as the article cites centralization as a major flaw in the SIR process.

Q: According to the article, what was the net percentage trim in the electoral rolls during the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

10.2%, The article explicitly states that Phase 2 of the SIR resulted in "a staggering net trim of 10.2% in the rolls." This is a critical data point highlighting the scale of voter deletion and a potential fact for Prelims.

Q: What is a primary concern raised by critics regarding the methodology of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as per the article?

It places the onus on electors themselves to establish their eligibility on the rolls., The article identifies as the "most fundamental" flaw the design that "places the onus on electors rather than on ECI officials to establish eligibility on the rolls." This shifts the burden of proof and can lead to disenfranchisement, especially among marginalized groups.

PolityCORE

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link

15 May 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:36.73 crore electors10.2% net trim16 States3 Union Territories

Bodies:Election Commission of IndiaSupreme Court of India

Practice MCQs from today's news ▸

~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.ECI announced Phase 3 of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) covering 36.73 crore electors in 16 States and 3 Union Territories.

2.Phase 2 saw a net trim of 10.2% in rolls due to software errors, arbitrary criteria, and methodological flaws, raising concerns of disenfranchisement.

3.The Supreme Court has opted for managerial supervision (more ID documents, judicial officers) but key questions on Section 21(3) of the RPA and burden of proof remain unresolved.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · High

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the third phase of its controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, covering over 36 crore voters across 16 states and 3 UTs. This move comes after Phase 2 saw a massive net trim of 10.2% and allegations of methodological flaws disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. For UPSC aspirants, this tests core principles of free & fair elections, the Representation of the People Act, and the institutional integrity of the ECI.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

SIR Phase 3 Coverage16 States & 3 UTs, 36.73 crore electors

Phase 2 Net Trim10.2% reduction in rolls

Key Legal ProvisionSection 21(3) of Representation of the People Act

1-Minute Revision

›SIR Phase 3 Coverage: 16 States & 3 UTs, 36.73 crore electors
›Phase 2 Net Trim: 10.2% reduction in rolls
›Target this Data: 36.73 crore electors covered in Phase 3 of SIR.
›Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (ECI) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
›Target this Legal Point: Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

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

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

News Snapshot

🗳️

Massive Voter List Revision

The Election Commission is conducting a third phase of a special revision that could impact the voting eligibility of over 36 crore citizens.

⚖️

Methodological Flaws

The revision process is criticized for faulty software, centralization, and shifting the burden of proof onto electors, leading to mass deletions.

🏛️

Judicial Supervision

The Supreme Court has intervened with managerial directives but has left core legal questions on the process unresolved.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The SIR is a special exercise by the ECI to clean electoral rolls. It gained controversy after Phase 2, particularly in West Bengal, where a staggering 10.2% net deletion occurred, allegedly impacting marginalized and minority communities disproportionately. This raises fundamental questions about the integrity of the voter registration process and the principle of universal adult franchise.

Core Analysis & Implications

The article highlights three critical flaws: 1) Centralization of data in Delhi, undermining local Electoral Registration Officers. 2) Parallel booth rationalization, making verification harder for voters. 3) Faulty software deleting entire duplicate sets. The aggregate result is a drop in gender ratios in electorates and mismatches with population estimates. The Supreme Court's focus on managerial fixes (more ID docs) over adjudicating Section 21(3) of the RPA leaves the structural burden-of-proof issue unresolved.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The burden to ensure proper enumeration now falls on political parties and civil society. For the ECI, the editorial argues for a structural overhaul prioritizing universal franchise over a process that places the onus on electors. This issue is ripe for Mains questions on election reforms, ECI's autonomy, and the balance between clean rolls and inclusive democracy.

Key Facts at a Glance

SIR Phase 3 Coverage16 States & 3 UTs, 36.73 crore electors

Phase 2 Net Trim10.2% reduction in rolls

Key Legal ProvisionSection 21(3) of Representation of the People Act

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is an exercise conducted by which constitutional body?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls:

1. The third phase of SIR covers a combined electorate of 36.73 crore across 16 States and three Union Territories.

2. The second phase of SIR led to a net increase in the electoral rolls across all states due to improved enumeration.

3. A key criticism of the SIR process has been the centralization of data and decision-making in ECI authorities in New Delhi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, State PSC

According to the article, what was the net percentage trim in the electoral rolls during the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, State PSC

What is a primary concern raised by critics regarding the methodology of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as per the article?

All 25 MCQs ▸

Read original article from The Hindu

You finished this topic

Practice 3 MCQs from this news Next Article

Explore Related Topics

PolityView Topic MCQs →

Previous25 Key Global Locations for UPSC Prelims 2026: Maratha Forts to Antarctic Ice Cores Next SC's 1995 'Hinduism as Way of Life' Ruling & Section 123(3) of RPA 1951: Electoral Corrupt Practice

Related Current Affairs

Polity Current Affairs

ECI Allocates Symbols Under Symbols Order 1968: TMC Split Triggers Para 15 Dispute Resolution

The Election Commission's power to allocate symbols and resolve intra-party disputes is a core UPSC topic. This article covers the Symbols Order 1968, how symbols are reserved/free, and the recent TMC split case. It also connects to the appointment of ECs (Article 324, 2023 Act, SC split verdict), making it high-yield for both Prelims and Mains.

Polity Current Affairs

CEC Removal Procedure Matches SC Judge; 2023 Act Appointment Panel Challenged Under Anoop Baranwal

Opposition demands CEC removal after leaked objections. CEC removal requires special majority in both Houses (same as SC judge), making it politically difficult. Meanwhile, the 2023 Act for appointing CEC/ECs, which replaced CJI with a Cabinet Minister, faces a split verdict in the Supreme Court. This touches Article 324, the Anoop Baranwal judgment, and independence of the Election Commission.

Polity Current Affairs

TN Withdraws RTI Exemption for Law and Order Dept Under Section 24(4); 2,000+ Citizens Seek CJI Intervention on SIR

Tamil Nadu government withdrew its controversial order exempting the Public (Law and Order) Department from the RTI Act after widespread backlash. Separately, over 2,000 citizens have written to the Chief Justice of India to stay the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and initiate suo motu proceedings against the Election Commission's conduct.

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

EC Data: 22.21 Lakh West Bengal Excluded Voters Filed SIR Appeals in SC

The Election Commission revealed in the Supreme Court that over 22.21 lakh voters excluded during West Bengal's electoral roll revision have appealed their removal. This case is crucial for understanding the EC's powers, electoral roll accuracy, and the judicial oversight of election processes—key topics for UPSC Polity and State PSC exams.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Urges West Bengal Speaker to Decide Disqualification Petitions by Oct 8 Under Tenth Schedule

The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal Assembly Speaker to decide disqualification petitions against 10 rebel MLAs by October 8, reinforcing the 'reasonable time' principle from the Keisham Meghachandra Singh judgment. This case highlights the tension between Speaker-led adjudication under the Tenth Schedule and the EC's interim orders, a recurring theme in anti-defection law.

Polity Current Affairs

Telangana's Khairatabad Seat Vacant After Danam Nagender Disqualified Under Anti-Defection Law

The Telangana Legislative Assembly has officially notified the disqualification of BRS MLA Danam Nagender from the Khairatabad constituency after the Supreme Court upheld the High Court order under anti-defection law. The seat is now vacant, and the Election Commission will announce a by-election schedule.

Polity Current Affairs

SC Split Verdict: Minister Replacing CJI in CEC Selection Panel Fails Perception Test

Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta, in a split verdict, held that replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Union Minister in the Prime Minister-led selection panel for the CEC and ECs fails the 'perception test' and gives the Executive an 'effective veto'. The case has been referred to a Constitution Bench for an authoritative ruling on the legality of the 2023 Act.

Start Today's Quiz(25 Qs)

Take Today's Quiz

25 Qs • 5-7 Mins

ECI Announces 3rd Phase of SIR Covering 36.73 Cr Electors in 16 States & 3 UTs Amidst Concerns Over Disenfranchisement

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Massive Voter List Revision

Methodological Flaws

Judicial Supervision

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance