The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refused to disclose details of the software used to detect errors and inconsistencies in electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), citing commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property protections under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The response comes amid mounting scrutiny of the controversial voter roll revision exercise, with questions being raised over the methods used to identify discrepancies and the safeguards in place to prevent genuine voters from being wrongly flagged.
In its October 16 reply to an RTI application filed by Telangana-based social activist MA Mujeeb Ayyub, the poll panel said “no new software has been developed or procured for the SIR exercise,” adding that electoral registration officers (EROs) take decisions on including or excluding voters based on documentary evidence.
ECI invokes RTI exemptions
Ayyub had sought information on the software's name and version, whether it automatically flags voter records for verification, and whether artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning or predictive analytics were used during the exercise. He also asked about safeguards against wrongful flagging and the officials responsible for reviewing such cases.
The commission declined to disclose the software details under Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, which protects information involving commercial confidence, trade secrets and intellectual property when disclosure could harm a third party's competitive position.
For questions concerning automated flagging, AI tools and safeguards, the ECI said the queries sought “clarification” rather than information covered under Section 2(f) of the Act.
On the authority responsible for reviewing anomalies, the commission cited Section 8(1)(g), which provides exemptions for information whose disclosure could endanger someone's life or physical safety or reveal confidential sources. It reiterated that the ERO is responsible for preparing and revising electoral rolls under Sections 13B(1) and 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Former CEC calls for an appeal
Reacting to the response, former chief election commissioner OP Rawat advised the applicant to challenge the decision through the appropriate channel.
“This is a legal matter and the applicant must file an appeal to the competent authorities to seek answers to questions ECI is evading,” Rawat said.
The SIR exercise has already resulted in the deletion of 130 million names from India's electoral rolls, intensifying scrutiny of the process.
An investigation by The Indian Express also reported that election commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded written dissents and objections at least 14 times between November 2025 and August 2026, and raised concerns with the cabinet secretary. It further alleged that election officials faced curtailed access to ECI software. The commission maintained that differing views were part of normal deliberations and its digital platforms followed strict data security protocols.