Former Navy Chief Issued Notice by Election Commission to Verify Identity Under Voter Roll Revision

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to Admiral (Retired) Arun Prakash, former Chief of the Naval Staff and a decorated war veteran, requiring him and his wife to appear in person to establish their identity and eligibility as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Goa.

Admiral Prakash, 82, a recipient of the Vir Chakra for gallantry during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, and his 78-year-old wife have resided in Goa for nearly 20 years since his retirement. The couple had duly completed and submitted the required SIR forms, and their names were included in the Goa Draft Electoral Roll 2026 published on the ECI website.

Despite this compliance, the Election Commission has classified them as “unmapped voters”, citing that their details do not appear in voter lists updated since 2002, and issued hearing notices directing them to appear before election officials with supporting documents.

The notices require Admiral Prakash to appear on January 17 and his wife on January 19, each at an election office located approximately 18 km from their residence.

In a post on X, the former Navy chief expressed surprise at the requirement and suggested procedural improvements:

“I neither need, nor have ever asked for any special privileges since retirement 20 yrs ago. My wife & I had filled the SIR forms as reqd & were pleased to see our names figured in the Goa Draft Electoral Roll 2026 on the EC website. We will, however, comply with EC notices.”

He further noted that the local Booth Level Officer (BLO) had visited their home three times during the SIR exercise, providing ample opportunity to seek any additional information at that stage rather than summoning the elderly couple on separate dates.

Admiral Prakash added that if the current SIR forms are failing to capture the necessary information, they should be revised to avoid such inconveniences in future.

The incident has triggered widespread discussion on social media, with many users describing the situation as an example of bureaucratic rigidity, especially given Admiral Prakash’s distinguished military service, which includes command of frontline warships, INS Viraat, and several key flag appointments.

The case highlights the practical challenges being faced by several citizens under the ongoing voter list revision process in Goa.