A big name from India’s defence world is now caught in a simple voter check. Admiral Arun Prakash, who was the boss of the Indian Navy from 2004 to 2006, has got a notice from the Election Commission. He has to go to Panaji in Goa with papers to prove he is who he says he is, even though his name is already on the draft voter list for Goa. This is part of a big clean-up drive called Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, by the Election Commission to fix voter lists before the 2026 elections. The admiral, who won the Vir Chakra in the 1971 war with Pakistan, says he will follow the rules but thinks the system needs some changes, like better forms and help for old people.
This case is not alone. Other famous people like Kargil war hero and Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, and even Nobel winner Amartya Sen, have faced the same thing. It shows how the Election Commission is working hard to make sure voter lists are clean, but it also raises questions about how they do it. Sometimes, even after home visits by officials, names get flagged. The admiral lives in Goa now after retiring, and this notice came as a surprise. He shared his thoughts on social media, saying the forms should ask for the right info and that old folks like him and his wife should not have to travel far.
Goa Chief Electoral Officer has said this is just routine to avoid fake voters. But for someone like Admiral Prakash, who has served the country for years, it feels odd. He plans to show up with his Aadhaar, PAN, and other proofs. This story is making people talk about how voter checks work in India, especially for seniors and those far away.
Who is Admiral Arun Prakash?
Admiral Arun Prakash is a big hero in India’s navy history. He joined the navy in 1966 and flew planes for them. In the 1971 war, he was brave and helped sink enemy ships, so he got the Vir Chakra award. That’s like a medal for courage. He rose up the ranks and became the Chief of Naval Staff in 2004. Under him, the navy got stronger with new ships and better training. He retired in 2006 after 40 years of service.
After leaving the navy, he stayed active. He writes about defence and security in newspapers and books. He lives in Goa now with his wife. At 82 years old, he is still sharp and speaks out on national issues. People respect him a lot for his straight talk and love for the country. In his X post, he said he never asked for special treatment after retirement 20 years ago. This shows he is humble, even when facing this voter notice.
His life story inspires many young people who want to join the forces. From fighting wars to leading the navy, he has done it all. Now, this small issue with voter list brings him back in the news, but not for his past glory.
The Voter Verification Notice
The notice came to Admiral Prakash as part of the SIR drive. This is a special check by the Election Commission to clean the voter lists. They want to remove fake names, dead people, or those who moved away. For Goa, the draft roll is out, and people can check their names. But for some, like the admiral, officials could not match details even after visiting homes.
The notice asks him to come to the office in Panaji on a set date with original papers like Aadhaar, passport, or driving license. His wife got a notice for a different date. They live 18 km away, and at their age – 82 and 78 – it’s not easy to go. The admiral said the Booth Level Officer, or BLO, came to their house three times but did not ask for more info. So, why the notice now?
Election rules say if details do not match old records, they send a notice. This is to stop wrong voting. In Goa, the SIR started last year to get ready for 2027 assembly polls. Officials go door to door, fill forms, and check. If something is missing, like old voter ID number, it gets flagged. The admiral’s name is on the draft list, but they want proof to keep it in the final one.
Goa CEO said this is normal and not aimed at anyone. They blame BLO sometimes for not filling forms right, leading to auto notices from the system. For the admiral, it might be a small mistake, but it shows how strict the process is.
Admiral Prakash’s Response
Admiral Prakash is calm about it. He said on X that he will go and show the papers. But he gave some ideas to fix things. First, change the SIR forms so they ask for all needed info. Second, BLO should ask more during home visits. Third, think about old people who can’t travel easy. He pointed out they are asked to come on two dates, which is hard.
He did not complain much, just suggested improvements. This shows his leader style – solve problems, not fight. Many people on social media support him, saying heroes like him should not face this. But he says no special rules for him. “We will, however, comply with EC notices,” he wrote.
His wife also got the notice, so it’s a family thing. They plan to take Aadhaar, PAN, and maybe navy papers to prove. This could help others who get such notices know what to do.
The SIR Drive: Why and How It Works
The Special Intensive Revision is a big step by Election Commission to make voter lists better. It happens in phases. In Goa, it started in November 2025 with door-to-door checks. BLOs visit homes, fill forms with details like name, age, address, and link to old voter info. If not matched, notice comes for hearing.
The goal is clean rolls for fair polls. India has over 96 crore voters, so mistakes happen. SIR helps remove duplicates or wrong entries. For 2026, many states like Goa are doing it hard. In South Goa, they even launched it with events to tell people.
But some say it’s too much. Opposition parties worry it deletes real voters, especially from some groups. ECI says it’s to add new voters too, like young ones. In Goa, draft rolls were given to parties in December 2025. People can object or claim till certain dates.
For seniors or NRIs, it’s tougher. They might not be home or have old papers. ECI has online ways, but many prefer in person.
Similar Cases: Viriato Fernandes and Amartya Sen
This is not just for Admiral Prakash. South Goa MP Viriato Fernandes, a Kargil war vet, got the same notice last week. He is a Congress MP and said if even he gets it, what about common people? He has voted since 1989 and faced full check in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. But his form was “unmapped” because missing details like old constituency number.
Goa CEO blamed the BLO for not getting info right, and said showcause to the officer. Fernandes called it a way to stop real voters. He has to go on January 27, 2026, with papers.
In West Bengal, Nobel winner Amartya Sen got a notice too. He is 92 and lives abroad mostly. The issue was age difference with his mother in records – less than 15 years, which flagged error. Also, a spelling mistake in name. ECI said no need for him to come, BLO can fix it. His family said it’s harassment. TMC party called it a farce.
These cases show SIR hits everyone, from heroes to thinkers. It raises talk about better ways, especially for NRIs or old people.
Broader Implications for Voters
This story tells us about problems in voter system. Good to clean lists, but how? Many say SIR is like backdoor check, deleting names without reason. In places like Assam or UP, it’s big, with book-a-call for BLO.
For seniors, travel is hard. ECI should have home hearings or online. For defence people, special rules maybe. Opposition says it’s to help ruling party by removing opponents’ voters.
But ECI defends, saying it’s for fair polls. In Goa, they want more voters, not less. People can check online at voters.eci.gov.in.
This could lead to changes. Admiral’s ideas might help. As Viriato said, “If an MP can be subjected to this, wonder about the common man.”
FAQs on Voter Verification and SIR Drive
What is the SIR drive by Election Commission?
SIR means Special Intensive Revision. It’s a big check of voter lists to add new names, remove wrong ones, and fix errors. In Goa, it started in 2025 for 2026-27 polls. BLOs visit homes, fill forms, and match with old data. If not, notice comes for hearing. It helps make elections fair by stopping fake votes.
Why did Admiral Arun Prakash get the notice?
His details did not fully match old records, even after BLO visits. He is on draft roll but needs to prove identity with papers like Aadhaar. He and his wife got notices for different dates in Panaji. He says forms need better design.
What documents are needed for verification?
Originals like Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving license, or voter ID from before. For link, show relative’s voter details if needed. Take them to the hearing.
What happened in Viriato Fernandes’ case?
The MP got notice because his form missed old constituency details. CEO said BLO fault, will issue showcause. Fernandes said it shows issues for common voters. He has to appear on Jan 27, 2026.
Why was Amartya Sen summoned?
Age gap with mother in records was less than 15 years, flagging error. Also spelling mistake. ECI said no need to appear, BLO fixes it. Family called it harassment.
Can seniors get help in SIR process?
Yes, BLO can visit home if asked. Online check and apply at ECI site. But for hearing, sometimes need to go. Admiral suggested special care for old people.
What if I ignore the notice?
Name might be deleted from final roll. You can’t vote then. Better to go or send someone with papers.
How to check my name in voter list?
Go to voters.eci.gov.in, enter details like name, EPIC number. Or call 1950 helpline.
Is SIR only in Goa?
No, in many states like West Bengal, Assam, UP for upcoming polls. It’s national but focused where needed.
Will this affect 2026 elections?
Yes, cleaner lists mean fairer votes. But if many real names deleted, problems. Parties watch closely.
These cases like Admiral Prakash show even big names face rules. It reminds us to check our voter details. As he said, we must follow but improve the system