Millions of voters across West Bengal who have submitted their Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Roll (SIR) forms now face potential hearings as the verification process intensifies. With form distribution nearing completion, attention shifts to the crucial claims and objections period where discrepancies could lead to formal summons.
Massive Form Distribution Nears Completion
According to data from the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, the state has achieved remarkable progress in form distribution. As of Sunday, 7.64 crore forms have been distributed among 7.66 crore electors, covering approximately 99.75% of the voter base. Simultaneously, digitization efforts are progressing steadily with around 3.77 crore Elector Forms (EF) already digitized, representing 49.26% of the total.
The initial challenge of form filling has largely been addressed, but new concerns are emerging among voters about potential hearings, required documentation, and the verification process that follows form submission.
Understanding the Hearing Process
Notices, hearings, and verification activities typically occur after the publication of draft electoral rolls and during the Claims and Objections period. The hearing will be conducted by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of your respective Assembly constituency. Following the hearing, these officials will make the final decision regarding inclusion or exclusion from the electoral roll.
The most common trigger for a hearing emerges when voter details cannot be matched or linked with the last intensive revision conducted in the 2002 electoral roll. This includes situations where your name or your parent's/grandparent's name fails to establish connection with the 2002 database.
When and Why Hearings Are Conducted
If the ERO or Assistant ERO identifies any objection or discrepancy in your application, they may require a hearing to resolve the issue. Beyond the 2002 roll matching problem, hearings also apply to various claims and objections including Form 6 applications for inclusion of names (new voters), Form 7 objections to inclusion (deletion), and Form 8 applications for correction of entries or shifting of residence.
When the system cannot link your current details to the 2002 electoral roll, the ERO/AERO will issue a formal notice requiring your appearance for hearing and verification. The notice will specify the date, time, venue—typically the ERO/AERO office—and the particular documents you must bring to support your case.
Essential Documents for Your Hearing
If you receive a hearing notice, you must bring documents that substantiate your claim as an eligible voter and Indian citizen. For cases involving unsuccessful matching with the 2002 roll, you need to produce citizenship credentials from the Election Commission of India's specified Indicative Documents list.
You should carry both originals and photocopies of relevant documents. Depending on your specific notice requirements, these may include:
- Any identity card or Pension Payment Order issued to regular employees or pensioners of Central/State governments or PSUs
- Identity cards, certificates, or documents issued in India by Government authorities, banks, post offices, LIC, or PSUs prior to July 1, 1987
- Birth certificates issued by competent authorities
- Valid passport
- Matriculation or educational certificates from recognized boards or universities
- Permanent residence certificates issued by competent State authorities
- Forest Rights Certificates
- OBC/SC/ST or caste certificates from competent authorities
- National Register of Citizens (where available)
- Family registers prepared by State or local authorities
- Land or house allotment certificates issued by the Government
- Extract of electoral roll as on July 1, 2025
Regarding Aadhaar, the Commission's directions issued vide letter No. 23/2025-ERS/Vol. II dated September 3, 2025, shall apply. Voters should carefully review their hearing notices for specific document requirements and ensure they bring both originals and copies to facilitate smooth verification.
The hearing process represents a critical phase in ensuring accurate voter registration ahead of upcoming elections. Voters receiving notices should respond promptly and prepare thoroughly to maintain their electoral participation rights in West Bengal's democratic process.
