🏛️ Polity
Supreme Court asks EC to reply to plea that it changed the voter form without approval
In 60 seconds: The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to respond to a plea by TMC MP Dola Sen alleging that Form 6, used to join the voter list, was changed during Bihar's voter-list revision without the court's approval. It also gave petitioners 10 days to answer the commission's affidavit defending the revision. The commission says it never amended Form 6, as only the Centre can.
Why it matters
The case tests how voter lists are revised across India and whether the rules for adding voters were followed.
Explain it simply
If the chai shop's order slip suddenly shows an extra box to fill, customers ask: who added it, and was that allowed? That's the Form 6 question.
The 3-minute read
What happened
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard the case. Lead petitioner Rakesh Kumar Singh, represented by Vikas Singh, wants the revision halted and Gyanesh Kumar barred from working as Chief Election Commissioner. Maneka Guruswamy argued for Dola Sen.
Background
Dola Sen's plea says the commission wrongly claimed the court had approved the Form 6 changes. The court earlier said it had not ruled on the new Form 6 while upholding the Bihar revision in May.
How it works
The commission admits its online display of a declaration alongside Form 6 could create that impression. From 21 October, the online process has been split into a separate Form 6 and an SIR declaration, which helps match applicants with earlier rolls.
What's next
Petitioners have 10 days to file rejoinders, and the commission must answer Dola Sen's plea before the next hearing.
What it means for you
New voters still apply with Form 6. Check your entry in the voter list before the next election in your state.
Key numbers
- 10 days: Time for petitioners to reply
- 21 Oct: Date Form 6 and the SIR declaration were split online
- 3: Judges on the bench
Both sides
- Petitioners: Form 6 was changed without the court's approval, and the revision should stop.
- Election Commission: Form 6 was never amended; the declaration is a separate document.
Key terms explained
- Form 6
- The application form to join the voter list.
- Affidavit
- A written statement given to a court under oath.
The story so far
- May 2026: Supreme Court upholds the Bihar SIR. On 27 May 2026 the Supreme Court upheld the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. It said it had not ruled on the new Form 6 while hearing those cases.
- Oct 2026: EC tells the court all SIR decisions were unanimous. In a counter-affidavit, the Election Commission said its three SIR orders were unanimous and that it never amended Form 6.
- Today: SC seeks EC reply on Form 6 plea
Exam notes (UPSC, SSC, Banking, PSC)
- Form 6 is used to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.
- Only the Central Government can amend forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Article 324 gives the Election Commission control over elections and electoral rolls.
- A rejoinder is a reply to the other side's affidavit in court.
Likely exam question: Who has the power to amend the forms used for voter registration in India?