NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified on Wednesday that all administrative decisions, instructions, and electoral processes—including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls—are the outcome of unanimous decisions made by the full Commission.
The response comes in light of discussions surrounding internal notes and observations exchanged during decision-making stages over the past 10 months.
Key Highlights from the ECI Statement
Constitutional & Legal Mandate: Operating under Article 324 of the Constitution and statutory rules—including The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023—all official orders and administrative directions issued by the ECI carry full legal sanction.
Role of Internal Deliberations: The ECI noted that written notes, technical suggestions, and internal observations are standard administrative practices designed to ensure operational rigor, legal compliance, and voter protection. Differing views during draft stages form a routine part of healthy institutional deliberation before final consensus is reached.
Unanimous Reforms & Initiatives: Over the past year, the full Commission has unanimously approved around 40 new initiatives and electoral reforms across the country, alongside managing election exercises and electoral roll revisions (including SIR).
Track Record of Major Conducted Elections: The poll body highlighted the successful completion of major assembly elections across states including Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Assam, and West Bengal, involving wide-ranging administrative coordination.
Digital Infrastructure & Data Security: Addressal of technical protocols confirmed that digital platforms such as ECINet operate under strict cybersecurity protocols and regular IT audit controls to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation. statutory powers for voter registration and deletions remain strictly with Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs).
“Highlighting certain specific internal notes spread over 10 months while overlooking the much larger body of approvals, decisions, and instructions gives only one part of the picture,” the Commission emphasized, reiterating its commitment to conducting its constitutional duties with complete integrity.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi, Press Release (Issued: Sep 23, 2026, 3:29 PM IST).
