SIR: Ex-diplomat faces citizenship test at home

Former Indian diplomat Navdeep Suri has expressed concerns about the difficulties he faces in establishing his citizenship during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Punjab. Despite serving as India's ambassador in three countries, Suri says he has been asked to provide additional documents to prove his Indian citizenship.

In a post on X, Suri revealed that he had to submit his Voter ID and Aadhaar card, but was informed by a volunteer that some details did not match with the SIR from 2003. He was then instructed to collect a notice and bring unspecified documents proving his Indian citizenship. Surprisingly, he had to produce his passport, even though he had not been in India in 2003.

Suri questioned the fairness of the situation, asking how common citizens would fare if diplomats like him struggle to establish their citizenship. He expressed his support for the Ease of Living initiative, assuming that the average person would face similar challenges.

The SIR process, which began in Bihar in June 2025, aims to remove names of deceased voters from the electoral rolls. As a result, over 60 lakh names, including those of deceased voters, were deleted from the rolls in Punjab. Similarly, around 90 lakh voters were removed in West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections.

Under the SIR procedure, voters not present in the 2002 or 2003 electoral rolls must submit documents establishing their connection to individuals listed in those legacy rolls. Initially, the Election Commission of India (ECI) recognized 11 documents as acceptable, excluding Aadhaar. However, following a Supreme Court ruling, Aadhaar was added to the list of acceptable documents.

The Supreme Court also commented on the constitutional implications of the SIR exercise, emphasizing that while the ECI has the authority to revise electoral rolls, its powers must be exercised in accordance with principles of transparency and natural justice.