The Election Commission of India has restricted the transfer of officials involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Under the directive, officials handling the revision process, including district magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates assigned related responsibilities, cannot be transferred without prior approval from the Commission during the specified period. The restriction will remain in effect from the publication of the draft voter list until the final list is released. The move aims to ensure that the revision process continues smoothly and that administrative changes do not disrupt the preparation and verification of electoral records.
Draft Voter List on November 12
Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa announced the schedule for the voter list revision in Uttar Pradesh. According to the programme, the draft electoral roll will be published on November 12, 2026. Voters will then have an opportunity to check their details, request corrections, apply to add their names and submit claims or objections between November 12 and December 11. The process is intended to give eligible voters an opportunity to ensure that their information is correctly recorded before the final electoral roll is prepared. Officials across the state have been directed to complete the required work within the announced timeline.
Final Electoral Roll on January 4
The Election Commission has set December 28, 2026, as the deadline for resolving claims and objections received during the revision period. After the verification and disposal process is completed, the final voter list will be published on January 4, 2027. The electoral roll is an important part of preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for next year. Authorities are expected to examine applications and objections carefully to identify errors and ensure that eligible voters are included. The schedule also gives residents a defined period to check their names and report discrepancies before the final list is issued.
Officials to Remain Under Election Commission Oversight
Rinwa said officials involved in preparing, revising and correcting electoral rolls work under the Election Commission’s control, supervision and discipline during the relevant period, as provided under Section 13CC of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. As a result, transfers of officers assigned to the SIR process require prior approval from the Commission. The instructions have been sent to the departments concerned. District election officers, Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers are among those involved in the process. The Commission aims to maintain continuity and accountability while voter records are checked and updated across Uttar Pradesh.
Pilibhit Voter List Discrepancies Under Scrutiny
The Commission has also ordered a detailed examination of reported irregularities in Pilibhit’s voter records. According to the report, some Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers returned another voter’s details when searched online. Following the issue, the Chief Electoral Officer directed that the Electoral Registration Officer for the Pilibhit Assembly constituency and a VRC operator be removed immediately from voter-list duties. Officials have also been instructed to identify those responsible for the discrepancies and determine accountability among the assistant election officials. The matter has drawn attention amid wider questions about the accuracy of electoral records.
Two-Day Deadline for Detailed Report
The Chief Electoral Officer has sought a comprehensive report on the Pilibhit matter within two days. All Assembly constituencies in the district will be examined as part of the review, according to the report. The investigation is expected to assess the reported data mismatches and the roles of officials responsible for maintaining the voter database. The Commission’s transfer restrictions and the inquiry into Pilibhit come as Uttar Pradesh prepares for a large-scale revision of its electoral rolls. With the draft list due in November and the final list scheduled for January 2027, the accuracy of voter records will remain a key administrative priority.
