SIR Timeline Faces Uncertainty As Supreme Court Order May Push Hearing, Final Roll Deadlines | Exclusive

Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 08:52 IST

If the Election Commission fully adheres to the court’s directions, it may not be practically possible to publish the final electoral roll by February 14, as earlier planned

Under the existing Election Commission (EC) guidelines, February 7 is the stipulated last date for hearings. (PTI)

The Election Commission is assessing the likelihood of further delays in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with sources indicating that the deadline for hearings may be extended.

According to sources cited by News18, nearly five million hearings remain pending. Under the existing Election Commission (EC) guidelines, February 7 is the stipulated last date for hearings. However, officials suggest this deadline may no longer be feasible and could be revised. EC is expected to issue fresh guidelines to clarify the revised schedule.

Uncertainty around the timeline has intensified following a Supreme Court order in the matter of Dola Sen vs Election Commission of India. The court has directed the Election Commission to place on record a list of “logical discrepancies" identified during the SIR process. Officials received the order on January 19, and sources indicate that complying with these directions will make it difficult to complete all hearings within the current timeframe.

Under the Supreme Court’s directions, once the Logical Discrepancy List is published, affected individuals must be given an additional 10 days to submit documents. A formal acknowledgement of receipt is also mandatory. Until fresh guidelines are issued by the Election Commission, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer is unable to enforce or operationalise new instructions, even for cases where hearing notices have already been issued.

Officials clarified that individuals who have received hearing notices may choose to appear or may opt not to attend at this stage. If they do not appear now, they will be provided another opportunity to be heard after the commission issues revised guidelines.

Sources further indicated that strict compliance with the Supreme Court’s order could have a cascading effect on the overall SIR schedule. If the Election Commission fully adheres to the court’s directions, it may not be practically possible to publish the final electoral roll by February 14, as earlier planned.

Supreme Court Directions: Key Highlights

• The Logical Discrepancy List must be displayed at Panchayat Offices, Block Offices, Sub-Divisional Offices, public places, and Ward Offices in urban areas.

• Individuals named in the list may submit documents in person or through authorised representatives, including Booth Level Agents, with a valid authorisation letter.

• Document submission and hearings may be conducted at Panchayat and Block Offices.

• An additional 10 days must be provided from the date of display of the discrepancy list for submission of documents.

• Acknowledgement receipts for document submission and hearings are mandatory.

• Madhyamik Admit Cards are to be accepted as valid supporting documents.

• State governments must deploy additional manpower at venues as required by the Election Commission.

• DGPs, SPs, and District Collectors are responsible for maintaining law and order during the process.

• All persons concerned must be heard at the time of document submission, either in person or through authorised representatives.

The next date of hearing is fixed for February 23, 2026.

With multiple procedural steps now mandated by the Supreme Court, Election Commission officials acknowledge that the SIR process is entering a critical phase, with timelines likely to be recalibrated in the days ahead.

News politics SIR Timeline Faces Uncertainty As Supreme Court Order May Push Hearing, Final Roll Deadlines | Exclusive

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