ECI Issues Guidelines for Handling Notices, Hearings and Claims During SIR

New Delhi, October 1: The Election Commission has issued guidelines on the handling of notices, hearings, claims and objections during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
According to the guidelines, if a notice is generated for an elector, the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) has to visit the elector’s residence, collect the required documents and upload them on the ECI Net for consideration by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO).
Electors who receive notices need not be called to the ERO/AERO office for a hearing in every case. Hearings will be conducted only in exceptional circumstances as decided by the ERO/AERO. Wherever required, the hearing should preferably be held online through an available and convenient mode of communication. The software for this facility has been updated and enabled.
If an elector is unable to attend a hearing, any adult member of the family can be authorised to attend on the elector’s behalf.
The EROs have also been instructed to make local enquiries and take decisions in cases involving genuine electors who do not have the required documents. Helpdesks and special camps should be arranged as required to assist people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people, homeless persons and other electors who may need assistance.
The Election Commission clarified that the Declaration Form attached to Form-6 is to be used only during the SIR period. During the non-SIR period, the declaration form should not be insisted upon.
Speaking orders need to be issued only in cases where the ERO/AERO finds an elector ineligible. Special care should be taken while dealing with Form-7 applications received in bulk.
The status of disposal of notices generated will be displayed on the notice boards of ERO offices on a daily basis. The information will also be shared with political parties and the media.
Lists of claims and objections received through Forms 9, 10, 11, 11A and 11B will be prepared and displayed on notice boards on every working day.
The claims and objections will also be uploaded on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), enabling citizens to check the lists and file objections, if any.