Election Commission declines to disclose voter roll software details under RTI Act

NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India has declined to disclose details of the software used to identify errors and anomalies in voter rolls during the Special Intensive Revision exercise, citing exemptions under the Right to Information Act.

In an RTI reply dated October 16, responding to an application filed by Karimnagar-based social activist MA Mujeeb Ayyub, the poll panel invoked Section 8(1)(d) of the legislation. The ECI cited commercial confidence, trade secrets, and intellectual property to withhold the name and version of the software.

The transparency refusal comes against the backdrop of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, which has resulted in the deletion of 130 million names from electoral rolls across India. The exercise has drawn scrutiny and criticism amid allegations of irregularities, placing increased focus on the internal digital tools and accountability mechanisms governing voter list modifications.

Regarding queries about who reviews flagged anomalies, the ECI cited Section 8(1)(g) of the RTI Act. The commission stated that disclosure could endanger life or physical safety or reveal confidential law enforcement sources.

The poll body further maintained that no new software was developed or procured for the revision exercise. According to the ECI, the electoral registration officer of the concerned constituency remains the statutory authority responsible for preparing and revising rolls, making decisions on the inclusion or exclusion of electors based on facts and records.

Addressing broader internal administrative questions, an investigation published by The Indian Express alleged that election commissioners SS Sandhu and Vivek Joshi recorded written dissents and objections at least 14 times between November 2025 and August 2026, wrote to the cabinet secretary, and that election officials found their access to ECI software curtailed.

In response to those reports, the ECI stated that differing views and observations were a normal part of deliberation and that all its digital platforms operated under strict data security protocols. Additionally, senior officials from the poll body’s IT division reported in February that certain operational problems encountered during the West Bengal revision had roots in the ECI’s Electoral Registration Officer Network portal.

Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat stated that the applicant must file an appeal to competent authorities to seek answers regarding the withheld information.