{
  "id": 9976171,
  "title": "Election Commission announces new SIR-related rules; objections period extended in Delhi, Maharashtra",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/election-commission-announces-new-sir-related-rules-objections-period",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T12:22:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/election-commission-new-special-intensive-revision-rules/article71512646.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 26, 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced several new rules related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This decision came after a full-bench meeting as the poll body faced criticism over reports of \"illegal\" decisions and dissent within its ranks. The ECI clarified that the Form 6 would only need to be filled out during the SIR process, while the traditional format would apply for registering new voters. For voters marked as \"unmapped\" or flagged for \"logical discrepancy,\" no notices for hearings would be issued. Instead, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) would visit their residences to gather the required documentation. Additionally, the timeframe for making claims and objections in Maharashtra and Delhi has been extended until October 12 and October 30 respectively. The ECI also revealed that a specialized committee, comprising an expert from IIT, will evaluate the accessibility of the ECINet App, the digital platform providing voter services and election information. All comments must be written in English, using complete sentences, and refrain from being abusive or personal. The new commenting platform is in place, and registered users may continue engaging with articles via their accounts on Vuukle.",
  "summary": "Under the changes, Form 6 declarations will be required only during SIR, while the previous format governs fresh registrations; BLOs will visit homes to collect documents for those flagged with discrepancies or not mapped, rather than issuing notices of hearings",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "When the referee fumbles: Election Commission row explained in 7 key questions",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/when-the-referee-fumbles-election-commission-row-explained-in-7-key",
        "published": "2026-09-26T10:57:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "Delhi SIR extended, no mandatory ERO hearing: EC takes key decisions amid calls for Gyanesh Kumar's resignation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/delhi-sir-extended-no-mandatory-ero-hearing-ec-takes-key-decisions",
        "published": "2026-09-26T11:51:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "Knowledge Nugget | How does the Election Commission allocate election symbols?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/knowledge-nugget-how-does-the-election-commission-allocate-election",
        "published": "2026-09-26T11:56:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}