The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority member Mohan Kumar Danappa has urged the Chief Electoral Officer to ensure that eligible voters undergoing treatment at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are included in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and are not deprived of their constitutional right to vote.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Danappa said several eligible voters are currently undergoing treatment at de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across Karnataka. Since many of them may not be present at their permanent addresses during the SIR exercise, they could potentially miss the opportunity to register, update or verify their names in the electoral rolls.

Mr. Danappa has suggested that the Election Commission collect details of all de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in the State through the respective District Election Officers and make special arrangements to cover residents of these centres during the SIR exercise.

He proposed that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or special voter registration teams be deputed to the centres to facilitate voter registration, corrections and verification of eligible residents.

He also urged the Election Commission to issue clear instructions to ensure that names of eligible voters undergoing treatment are not removed from electoral rolls merely because they are temporarily staying at a rehabilitation facility.

In cases where voters are unable to produce certain documents, alternative verification mechanisms permitted under Election Commission rules should be considered, he said.

Mr. Danappa further sought a special circular to all District Election Officers and Electoral Registration Officers directing them to take appropriate measures.

He said ensuring access to the electoral process for people undergoing rehabilitation would be consistent with the constitutional principles of equality, dignity and democratic participation, and urged the Chief Electoral Officer to take prompt action in the public interest.

Published - August 13, 2026 09:42 pm IST