Why Form 6 Again on Changing Address? Supreme Court's Sharp Question to Election Commission, Decision on Legality of 'Logical Discrepancy' Awaited

The Supreme Court has clarified its stand on the legal validity of the 'Logical Discrepancy' category in the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The court stated that it was approved in Bengal only as an interim arrangement, and a final decision is still pending. Meanwhile, the court asked a strict question to the commission regarding demanding Form 6 from old voters who change their address in Delhi.

Which Bench is Hearing the Case?

The observation was made during the hearing by a special bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana.

'Logical Discrepancy': No Final Approval

The court made it clear that the permission granted to the commission to proceed on the basis of 'Logical Discrepancy' during the SIR process in West Bengal was merely an interim arrangement. This does not mean the court has given its final stamp of approval to the legal validity of this process.

Tough Question to the Commission on Delhi SIR

The bench asked the commission directly why Form 6 is being made to be filled out again by citizens who are already registered on the voter list and have only changed their house or address.

Form 6 is generally used for adding the names of new voters. In such a scenario, the court sought clarification from the commission regarding imposing a new-voter-like process on old and previously verified voters.

What's Next?

Following the Supreme Court's strict stance, legal debate has intensified regarding the deletion of names from voter lists and the issuance of notices in the name of technical discrepancies. The court will now deeply review the legality of the commission's rules and procedures.