Bharat Ratna Scientist CNR Rao, 92, Gets SIR Notice Over Name Mismatch

Eminent scientist and Bharat Ratna awardee Prof. C.N.R. Rao, 92, has received a notice to appear for a hearing and establish his identity after a discrepancy in his name was flagged during Karnataka's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The notice was issued as part of the ongoing verification process for voter lists in Karnataka, TOI reported. The case involving one of India's most prominent scientists has drawn attention to the name and record discrepancies being identified during the revision exercise.

Name Discrepancy Flagged During SIR

According to reports, Prof. Rao's name was flagged because of a mismatch in electoral records during the SIR exercise. He has been asked to attend a hearing to establish his identity and resolve the discrepancy. The notice is part of the verification process being carried out by election authorities to update and correct voter records. SIR 2026: How To Check Name in Draft Voter List in Maharashtra and Delhi.

The exact nature of the discrepancy involves differences in how his name was recorded, prompting authorities to seek clarification through the formal hearing process.

What Is Karnataka's SIR Exercise?

The Special Intensive Revision is a large-scale exercise aimed at verifying and updating electoral rolls in Karnataka. The process involves checking voter details and identifying discrepancies related to names, addresses and other records. Voters whose details require further verification may receive notices and be asked to submit documents or attend hearings. SIR Exercise: EC Hikes Honorarium to INR 6,000 for BLOs, Supervisors Conducting Door-to-Door Verification.

More than 43 lakh voters were expected to receive notices during the claims and objections phase of Karnataka's SIR process, highlighting the scale of the verification exercise.

Other Prominent Cases Reported

Prof. Rao's case is not the only instance of a well-known person receiving an SIR notice over discrepancies in voter records. Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba, a Karnataka-based social worker known for his contribution to education, was also issued a notice after a difference was found between his name in an earlier voter roll and his current official documents. The cases have brought renewed focus on the challenges voters may face when older electoral records differ from more recent identity documents.

A Distinguished Career in Science

Prof. C.N.R. Rao is one of India's most respected scientists and is known internationally for his work in solid-state and materials chemistry. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, in 2014. Rao is also the Founder President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and has made major contributions to scientific research and education over several decades.

Verification Process Continues

The notice does not relate to any allegation of wrongdoing against Prof. Rao. It is part of the electoral roll verification process triggered by a discrepancy in the records. The development underscores how data mismatches in older and newer records can require formal verification, even in the case of prominent public figures. Election authorities are continuing the SIR process across Karnataka as they work towards finalising updated electoral rolls.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 09, 2026 01:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).