The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday extended the deadline for filing claims and objections under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi by one month. Electors can now file their claims and objections until October 30, 2026.The Commission has also fixed November 30, 2026, as the last date for disposing of notices, claims and objections related to the revision of electoral rolls in Delhi. The decisions were taken by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.Key HighlightsDelhi electors can now file SIR claims and objections until October 30.The deadline for disposal of notices, claims and objections is November 30.Maharashtra has also received an extension in its SIR schedule.Booth Level Officers will visit certain voters who receive notices to collect required documents.Personal hearings will not normally be required for such voters.Deadline Extended for Delhi ElectorsThe SIR process is being used by the Election Commission to review and update electoral rolls. During the process, voters can raise claims or objections if they find errors or issues related to their electoral registration.The ECI's latest decision gives Delhi electors additional time to complete this process. The deadline, which was earlier scheduled for September 30, has now been extended to October 30.The Commission said the corresponding period for disposal of notices, claims and objections has also been extended. Authorities will now have until November 30 to complete the disposal process.The extension is relevant for electors who need to provide information or documents connected with their names in the electoral roll.Changes for Voters Receiving NoticesThe Election Commission has also announced changes in the procedure for certain voters who receive notices during the SIR.This includes electors classified as “unmapped” or those identified as having “logical discrepancies” during the revision process.Instead of requiring such voters to visit an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) office immediately, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit their homes to collect the required documents.The documents collected by the BLOs will then be uploaded on the ECINet system for consideration by the concerned Electoral Registration Officer.The Commission said this process is intended to make it easier for voters to respond to notices without requiring unnecessary visits to government offices.Personal Hearing Not Normally RequiredThe ECI also clarified that voters who receive such notices will not ordinarily have to appear personally before the ERO or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer.A personal hearing will be held only in exceptional circumstances, according to the Commission.The ECI has further said that when a hearing is required, it should preferably be conducted online.Another provision allows an adult member of a voter's family to attend the hearing on the elector's behalf. This will be possible when the elector gives proper authorisation to the family member.The changes are intended to simplify the procedure for people who need to establish their eligibility or provide documents during the SIR process.Maharashtra Also Gets ExtensionThe Election Commission has extended related SIR deadlines in Maharashtra as well."In Maharashtra, electors can now file claims and objections until October 12. The deadline for disposal of notices, claims and objections has been extended until November 10.:The changes form part of the Commission's wider review of the SIR schedule in different states and Union Territories.The ECI's published SIR schedule lists Delhi and Maharashtra among the states and Union Territory areas covered by the current revision exercise.What Electors Should KnowThe extension means Delhi voters now have more time to check their electoral-roll information and raise claims or objections where required.Voters who receive a notice because their records are classified as unmapped or because of a logical discrepancy may be contacted by a Booth Level Officer. They should keep the required documents ready for verification.The Commission's latest instructions also mean that such voters will not normally need to travel to the ERO's office simply to attend a hearing. If an exceptional hearing is required, the Commission has said online proceedings should be preferred.The Election Commission has also been conducting special enrolment activities in Delhi for eligible people who were not included in the draft electoral roll. Special camps were announced for September 27, with additional camps planned for young electors at educational institutions.The latest extension gives Delhi electors until October 30 to submit SIR-related claims and objections, while officials have until November 30 to complete the disposal of notices and claims and objections.Also Read : Supreme Court Gives Precedence Hearing To Plea Against Delhi SIR Voter Notices
