India: New guidelines issued for voter list revision

Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravikumar has issued new guidelines for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists to ensure no eligible Indian citizen is excluded. During the revision process, officials are instructed not to demand additional or specific documents from voters; instead, eligibility should be verified using available records to issue speaking orders.

For elderly citizens born in 1934 who lack personal documentation, a ‘reverse parental linkage’ process will be implemented. This allows them to be added to the voter list by linking them to their eligible Indian citizen children or grandchildren. Similarly, women living with in-laws who lack personal documents may use valid documentation provided by their parents or siblings for verification.

Regarding family trees (vanshavali), the CEO clarified that only documents issued by competent authorities or Circle Officers will be recognized; lineage documents issued by village heads (Mukhiya) will not be valid. Additionally, officials have been directed to conduct site inspections of polling stations and ensure the timely digitization of Form-6 applications.