Tamil Nadu SIR update: 77.5 lakh forms not returned, draft voter list set for major purge

Chennai: The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu has revealed significant gaps in voter data, with approximately 77.52 lakh enumeration forms remaining unreturned as of December 1, according to unofficial figures. The exercise, which began on November 4 and will conclude on December 11, has been marked by political opposition, administrative strain, and employee strikes.

The revision process has faced resistance from the DMK and its allies, who staged statewide protests and filed a case in the Supreme Court against the initiative. Adding to the pressure, revenue department employees conducted a statewide strike, citing excessive workload on district collectors and field staff.

SIR in Tamil Nadu

Despite these challenges, official data indicates substantial progress. Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, IAS reported that out of the total 6,41,14,587 voters in the state, forms have been issued to 6,39,31,564 individuals (99.71%), and 97.25% of the returned forms have been uploaded to the system.

However, the unreturned forms—amounting to roughly 12% of the electorate—present a potential purge ahead of the draft electoral roll’s publication on December 16. The breakdown of these 77.52 lakh forms is as follows:

Election Commission sources caution that these figures are unofficial and subject to change as SIR work continues until December 11. Based on the current data, however, it is estimated that between 35 lakh and 45 lakh names, including those of deceased voters, could be deleted from the final list.

SIR Tamil Nadu last date

Voters classified as "permanently shifted" will have the opportunity to re-enroll. From December 16 to January 15, they can apply to include their names at their new place of residence through the designated polling station officer or via the Election Commission’s website. Only the application for their current residence will be valid; entries from previous locations will be automatically deleted. The names of deceased voters, however, cannot be reinstated.

The final and official number of deletions will only be confirmed after the completion of the SIR process and the publication of the draft electoral roll on December 16.