ECI's Form 6 process for reinstating voters draws criticism as burdensome

The Election Commission of India is using Form 6, originally designed for first-time voters, to reinstate people removed from voter rolls during the Special Integrated Review (SIR). The process has drawn criticism for imposing unclear and shifting requirements on eligible voters seeking to regain their electoral status.

Critics argue that the ECI's changing declarations and demands for past voter records or family documentation make reinstatement unnecessarily cumbersome. Voters have complained of confusion over what documents are needed and inconsistent guidance from electoral authorities.

The reinstatement mechanism has been questioned as an ill-conceived burden on citizens who are entitled to vote, raising concerns about barriers to electoral participation.