Three UN Special Rapporteurs have asked the Government of India to respond to allegations that millions of names were removed from electoral rolls during the Election Commission’s SIR process, raising concerns over its reported impact on Muslims, Bengalis and other minority communities.
Signed by Nicolas Levrat, Irene Khan and NazilaGhanea,the communication, dated May 1, 2026, was issued under the Special Procedures of the UNHRC. They requested detailed information from the government and urged compliance with international human rights standards related to political participation, non-discrimination and minority rights.
Around 52 million names were reportedly deleted across 12 states and Union Territories, including 9.1 million in West Bengal. The communication noted allegations that many affected citizens possessed valid identity documents. In Nandigram constituency, 95% of deleted voters were reportedly Muslims, although Muslims account for around one quarter of the electorate.
The Rapporteurs said many excluded voters approached the Election Commission and the Apex Court. While the court did not stay the process, it later allowed eligible voters in West Bengal to regain voting rights.
They also raised concerns over the reported use of an artificial intelligence system to identify irregularities in voter records. They said questions remain over transparency, possible errors and algorithmic bias.