'Misleading': ECI fact-checks Rahul Gandhi's Form 6 claim, cites SC ruling on Bihar SIR order

The Election Commission on Monday fact-checked Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's claim that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar "changed Form 6 illegally and unilaterally", calling the statement "misleading".

The ECI said the order for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, issued on June 24, 2025, was approved unanimously by the Commission. It added that the order was upheld by the Supreme Court in its judgment dated May 27, 2026.

"The statement made in this post is misleading," the ECI said.

The poll panel also cited its September 26, 2026 press note, which stated that "the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court."

The EC's statement came after Gandhi alleged that CEC Kumar changed Form 6 without authorisation.

"It is now established beyond doubt that Gyanesh Kumar changed Form 6 illegally and unilaterally," Gandhi said. "This is just one more proof of him abusing his position to help the BJP."

Gandhi also said Kumar and everyone else involved in what he called a "criminal assault on our democracy" would be held accountable.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court said it had not approved any modification to Form 6 being used by the EC during the SIR of electoral rolls in various states.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said: "Any modification to Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear. When records are produced, we would like to see who has modified it."

Meanwhile, Election Commission officials on Monday said Form 6 itself had not been changed, news agency PTI reported.

They said a declaration was attached to Form 6 through the Bihar SIR order issued on June 24, 2025. The order was upheld by the Supreme Court in its May 27, 2026 judgment.

Form 6 is an application through which an eligible person seeks inclusion in the electoral roll.

The officials also referred to the ECI's September 26 press note, which said that "the declaration attached to Form 6 for SIR has been upheld by the Hon'ble Supreme Court".

For the non-SIR period, the forms applicable under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, will continue to be used, the officials said.