Supreme Court to Consider Petitions Regarding Bihar Electoral Roll Revision by Election Commission
In the heart of July 2025, the Supreme Court is closely overseeing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, a process that has sparked a series of legal challenges to uphold electoral integrity and safeguard voters' rights.
The ongoing hearings, scheduled for August 12-13, 2025, are aimed at addressing concerns about the scale of potential exclusions, with reports suggesting that approximately 65 lakh voters may be removed from the rolls.
The Court's role is crucial in preventing mass exclusion of eligible voters and ensuring fairness from the Election Commission of India (ECI) as a constitutional institution. The Court has clarified that it will intervene if any significant illegal exclusion occurs after the publication of the draft electoral roll on August 1, 2025.
The ECI has justified its SIR, stating that it adds to the purity of the election by "weeding out ineligible persons" from the electoral rolls. However, the Court has directed the ECI to consider documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Card as acceptable for voter verification, though inclusion solely on these documents is at the ECI's discretion.
Among the petitioners opposing the SIR is the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), which has raised concerns about potential mass exclusion of legitimate voters and the transparency and fairness of the electoral roll revision process. The ADR emphasizes the importance of protecting voters' rights to participate in the electoral process and ensuring that the electoral rolls are not manipulated to disenfranchise eligible citizens.
Reports of irregularities in the SIR process have been rampant. For instance, voters have complained about BLOs not visiting their houses or neighbourhoods, forging voters' signatures on forms, and uploading them without the voters' knowledge or consent. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the addition of non-existent votes and the deletion of genuine votes supporting opposition parties, and casting of votes after the closure of polls.
The ADR has further claimed that the SIR is being conducted in such a manner that constitutes a grave fraud on voters, with BLOs signing enumeration forms themselves and dead individuals being shown to have filled up forms. Moreover, the NGO has reported that enumeration forms are being mass-uploaded by BLOs without the knowledge or consent of the voters, in order to achieve the unrealistic target set by the ECI.
Interestingly, it was a bench of Justices Dhulia and Bagchi who initially heard the petition and passed an order for the ECI to consider Aadhaar as identity proof for this SIR. The bench has since been reformed to include Justice Surya Kant- set to take over as CJI later this year- since Justice Dhulia retires in November.
Despite these concerns, none of the political parties asked for a de novo revision of the electoral roll, a point highlighted by the ADR. This fraudulent exercise, conducted under the guise of electoral integrity, has been criticised for violating principles of due process and natural justice, as enshrined under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
As the Supreme Court continues its deliberations, it is crucial that the ECI adheres to legal standards and ensures a fair and transparent electoral process for the people of Bihar.
- Despite ongoing concerns about mass exclusion of eligible voters, no political parties have requested a new revision of the electoral roll in poll-bound Bihar.
- Amidst the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, personal growth and mindfulness can help individuals stay focused on their goals, such as job-search or career-development.
- The ongoing hearings in the Supreme Court about the SIR process are essential for upholding electoral integrity and safeguarding voters' rights.
- The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) opposes the SIR due to potential mass exclusion of legitimate voters and irregularities in the revision process.
- Education-and-self-development and lifelong-learning can equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate various challenges, such as those presented by policy-and-legislation changes or political controversies.
- The Supreme Court has clarified that it will intervene if any significant illegal exclusion occurs in the draft electoral roll, published on August 1, 2025.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) justifies its SIR by stating that it aims to increase electoral purity by weeding out ineligible persons.
- The ADR emphasizes the importance of protecting voters' rights to participate in the electoral process, ensuring transparency, and avoiding manipulation of the electoral rolls.
- Accidents, such as car-accidents, can occur unexpectedly and might lead to loss of life or serious injuries, serving as a reminder of the inherent risks and uncertainties that we face daily.
- The ongoing SIR process has been plagued with complaints of irregularities, including forged signatures, unrealistic targets, and alleged manipulation of votes.
- Reports of significant irregularities have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the SIR process, further sparking legal challenges and public protests.
- The Supreme Court's decision to include Justice Surya Kant on the bench discussing the SIR is seen as a crucial step in ensuring fairness and accountability during the electoral revision process.
- The SIR process has been criticized for violating principles of due process and natural justice, as enshrined under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.
- Online-education platforms can provide flexible learning opportunities for individuals engaged in career-development or skill-training, making education accessible even in times of conflicts-and-conflicts, such as war-and-conflicts.
- As citizens, we have the duty to stay informed about general-news and current events, including political developments, legal challenges, and accidents, to better engage in our own personal growth and contribute to the betterment of our communities.
