ECI Says SIR Decisions Were Unanimous
Poll panel says internal observations are part of normal deliberations and all final decisions were approved by the full Commission
- ECI says SIR decisions were unanimous.
- Internal observations are part of routine deliberations.
- Poll panel cites around 40 electoral initiatives.
- ECI says ECINet follows strict security protocols.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd Sept: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday said that all decisions taken by the Commission, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, were unanimous decisions of the full Commission.
The ECI said it functions as a multi-member constitutional body under Article 324 of the Constitution, statutory rules and established institutional practices. It clarified that written notes, observations, technical suggestions and internal checks are part of the normal decision-making process.
The Commission said such internal inputs are intended to ensure transparency, legal compliance and operational rigour, and do not represent final decisions of the poll panel.
Internal observations part of deliberations
The ECI said operational queries or suggestions raised by Commission members during the drafting stage are a standard administrative practice aimed at strengthening electoral processes and safeguarding voter rights.
“Differing views and observations are a normal part of deliberation in any institution,” the Commission said, adding that such inputs are considered before a final decision is taken.
It further said that not only the three Election Commissioners but every authorised officer of the Commission can provide suggestions for improving the electoral system.
Commission highlights recent electoral reforms
The ECI said that focusing on selected internal notes or observations recorded over a 10-month period, while overlooking the broader body of approvals, decisions and initiatives, would present only one part of the picture.
According to the Commission, it has taken numerous decisions, issued instructions and introduced around 40 new initiatives and electoral reforms in the past year, including electoral roll revision exercises and SIR across the country.
The ECI maintained that these decisions were the outcome of unanimous decisions of the full Commission.
Cites major elections conducted
The Commission also pointed to the successful conduct of major elections in Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal, besides other election-related exercises during the period.
It said these electoral processes involved extensive administrative and operational arrangements and required multiple approvals and instructions.
ECI addresses digital security concerns
On its digital platforms, the ECI said systems such as ECINet operate under strict data-security protocols to prevent unauthorised tampering and manipulation.
It said IT security checks and audit controls are standard cybersecurity measures for national databases. The Commission also noted that Electoral Registration Officers and District Election Officers exercise their statutory powers for voter registration and deletion in accordance with law.
The ECI reiterated its commitment to discharging its constitutional responsibilities with integrity and strengthening India’s democratic process.
