Question 1

The ECI needs prior permission from state governments to conduct a Special Intensive Revision.

Accepted Answer

Under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21(3) of the RPA 1950, the ECI has the plenary and independent authority to order an intensive revision in any state without requiring state or central government permission.

Question 2

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is legally equivalent to updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Accepted Answer

The SIR is strictly an electoral exercise governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, to ensure the voter list is accurate. It is not governed by the Citizenship Act, 1955, and does not formally declare someone a non-citizen.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls:
1. The Election Commission of India derives its power to order an SIR exclusively from the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
2. During the 2025 SIR, the ECI explicitly permitted the use of Aadhaar cards as definitive proof of date of birth and domicile.
3. Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by recognized political parties are permitted to assist in the verification process during the SIR.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

(a) Only one — Statement 1 is incorrect: The power is derived primarily from Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, not exclusively from the 1960 rules. Statement 2 is incorrect: CEC Gyanesh Kumar explicitly clarified that Aadhaar is NOT accepted as proof of Date of Birth or domicile for this exercise. Statement 3 is correct: Over 7.6 lakh BLAs were appointed by parties to work alongside BLOs to ensure transparency. Therefore, only one statement is correct.

Question 4

Match the legal and administrative provisions related to electoral rolls (List I) with their correct source or description (List II):
List I
A. Overarching power of superintendence of elections
B. Statutory mandate for preparation and revision of rolls
C. Universal Adult Suffrage and basic eligibility
D. Detailed forms and procedures for registration

List II
1. Article 326 of the Constitution
2. Article 324 of the Constitution
3. Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
4. Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950

Accepted Answer

(a) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3 — Article 324 provides the overarching constitutional power of superintendence, direction, and control to the ECI (A-2). Section 21 of the RPA 1950 gives the specific statutory mandate for how electoral rolls are prepared and revised (B-4). Article 326 guarantees Universal Adult Suffrage and sets the basic criteria like citizenship and the 18-year age limit (C-1). The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, contain the granular administrative procedures and forms (D-3).

Question 5

Assertion (A): The Election Commission of India can unilaterally direct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in a specific state without the prior approval of that state's government.
Reason (R): The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of a state is an independent constitutional authority who operates completely outside the control of the state government.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Accepted Answer

(c) A is true but R is false. — Assertion (A) is true; under Article 324 and Section 21 of the RPA 1950, the ECI has plenary powers to order revisions anywhere in India. Reason (R) is false; the CEO is NOT an independent constitutional authority. The CEO is an officer of the state government (usually an IAS officer) designated by the ECI in consultation with the state government. During election duties, they work under the superintendence, direction, and control of the ECI, but they remain part of the state cadre.

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