‘EC Should Revise Forms If…’: Ex-Navy Chief Arun Prakash On Getting SIR Notice

Former Indian Navy Chief Admiral (retd) Arun Prakash has urged the Election Commission to revise the forms of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise if they are unable to update the information

given by people.

“May I point out to EC that (a) if the SIR forms are not evoking required information they should be revised; (b) the BLO visited us three times and could have asked for additional information (c) we are an 82/78 years old couple and have been asked to appear on two different dates 18 km away,” the retired Navy official said in a post on X.

2/2 May I point out to @ECIVEEP that (a) if the SIR forms are not evoking reqd info they should be revised; (b) the BLO visited us 3 times & could have asked for additional info; (c) we are an 82/78 yr old couple & have been asked to appear on 2 different dates 18 km away!!

— Adm. Arun Prakash (@arunp2810) January 11, 2026

Admiral (retd) Prakash also responded to a user on X who suggested that a Booth Level Officer (BLO) should visit the former Indian Navy chief’s house to check documents as part of the formal process, and said that he does not want “special privileges”.

“I neither need, nor have ever asked for any special privileges since retirement 20 years ago. My wife and I had filled the SIR forms as required and 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,” the former navy chief said.

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. 1/2 https://t.co/l5iqtjoO8D

— Adm. Arun Prakash (@arunp2810) January 11, 2026

His remarks came after the poll body asked him to attend a meeting where he would need to prove his identity, as part of the ongoing SIR exercise. Many netizens on social media called out the Election Commission for what they pointed out as a “huge mistake”.

In response, Admiral (retd) Prakash said that though his and his wife’s name have been included in draft rolls, he would still comply with the poll body’s notices.

Who Is Admiral (Retd) Arun Prakash?

Admiral (Retd) Arun Prakash served as Chief of Indian Navy from 2004 to 2006. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Defence Services Staff College, he was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1962 and had a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

A specialist in navigation and direction, he commanded several frontline warships and held key operational and staff appointments during his service. During his tenure, he commanded a carrier-borne fighter-squadron, a naval air station and four warships, including the aircraft-carrier INS Viraat.

During his tenure as Navy chief, Admiral Prakash played an important role in strengthening India’s maritime strategy and enhancing operational readiness amid evolving regional security challenges.

During the 1971 War, he was awarded the Vir Chakra while flying with an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter squadron in Punjab.