The Goa State Election Commission has told the High Court that names deleted from the electoral roll following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) cannot be restored under the existing system.

The submission came during the hearing of a petition filed by six residents of St. Cruz whose names were removed from the revised electoral roll after the SIR exercise.

The petitioners have approached the High Court seeking directions to the State Election Commission to reinstate their names, contending that they are genuine residents and eligible voters.

The SIR process has recently been completed across Goa, resulting in the deletion of several names from the electoral rolls. The exercise has also raised concerns over eligible residents losing their voter status after failing to produce the documents required during verification.

During the hearing, the State Election Commission orally submitted that its existing software and system protocols do not provide for restoration of an electoral entry once it has been deleted.

The Commission further submitted that a person whose name has been removed can seek re-enrolment as an eligible voter by submitting Form 6.

After hearing the matter, the High Court directed the State Election Commission to file an affidavit within one week explaining the applicable rules and procedures.

The court has also sought clarity on how the provisions should be interpreted to prevent arbitrary deletion of names and ensure that genuine and eligible voters are not deprived of their right to vote.

The matter will now come up again after the Commission files its affidavit before the court.