Karnataka SIR: 1.10 Lakh Form-7 applications reported, 29,000 records missing online

The Karnataka State Information Report (SIR) portal, which publishes details of applications to delete names from the electoral roll, listed a total of 110,000 Form‑7 requests for the current year. These forms are meant to capture information such as duplicate entries, deceased voters, or those who have moved out of the constituency. The portal, however, fails to display roughly 29,000 of these records, meaning that a significant portion of the data cannot be examined by citizens, journalists, or watchdog groups.

The removal of voters from the roll is a sensitive operation because it directly affects who can cast a ballot in upcoming elections. Transparency in this process helps prevent accusations of political bias or manipulation, especially in a state like Karnataka where electoral contests are closely watched. When a quarter of the applications are hidden, it creates room for speculation about whether deletions are being carried out fairly or if certain groups are being targeted. Civil society groups have long argued that open access to these records is essential for maintaining confidence in the democratic system.

State officials have responded by saying that the missing entries are due to technical glitches and that a remedial update will be uploaded within the next few weeks. The Election Commission has also promised an audit of the portal to ensure that all applications are eventually made public. Legal experts suggest that affected parties could file a petition in the High Court to compel the authorities to publish the complete data set. Readers should watch for any court orders or official statements that clarify the timeline for restoring full access to the Form‑7 records.