The Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that voters whose names are missing from draft electoral rolls published during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) can apply for fresh inclusion through Form 6, even if they were registered voters earlier.

In a letter dated November 3 to chief electoral officers of all states and Union Territories (UT), the commission said submitting Form 6 in such cases would not, by itself, amount to a false declaration or invite prosecution under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The clarification addresses concerns among previously enrolled voters who were left out of draft rolls and were hesitant to apply through Form 6 because the form carries a declaration that the applicant is seeking inclusion in the electoral roll for the first time.

The EC acknowledged that such voters feared their earlier enrolment could make the declaration false and expose them to legal action.

“It is clarified that an elector whose name does not appear in the draft electoral roll may submit Form 6 to seek inclusion in the final electoral roll, in accordance with the prescribed procedure,” the letter said.