Challenge to the ECI’s Revision of Electoral Rolls in Bihar Reaches Supreme Court

The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar on June 24. This marks the first major update to Bihar's voter list since 2003. The goal is to add all eligible voters and remove ineligible ones.

Challenge to the ECI’s Revision of Electoral Rolls in Bihar

The ECI invoked its powers under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950. Article 326 and Section 16 of the RPA form the legal foundation for the revision. Citizens who turn 18 on or before July 1, 2025, qualify to register.

The ECI outlined three goals. First, it aims to register every eligible citizen. Second, it wants to remove names of the deceased, relocated, or disqualified voters. Third, it plans to stop illegal or duplicate entries.

Rising urban migration and underreported deaths have complicated voter list maintenance. These issues prompted the ECI to begin this intensive revision.

Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are visiting homes to collect voter data. They hand out pre-filled forms to existing voters and collect them during visits. Voters can also fill and submit forms through the ECINET portal. Only authorized officials can access submitted documents.

Parties and Officers Join Hands to Ensure Voter List Accuracy

To improve accuracy, the ECI asked political parties to appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) at every polling booth. These agents identify issues early, reducing complaints later. Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) review and resolve objections.

The ECI will publish the draft voter list on August 1. Citizens can check their details and report any errors.

However, this process has sparked legal concerns. Activist Yogendra Yadav and the Association for Democratic Reforms filed a petition in the Supreme Court. They argue that the revision puts too much burden on voters—especially the poor and migrants.

According to the petition, voters must reapply and submit fresh documents. In many cases, authorities reject Aadhaar and ration cards. Some citizens even need to prove their parents’ identity. Critics say these rules could remove genuine voters from the list.

The petition also raised concern about the July 25 deadline. Petitioners call it unrealistic, especially with monsoon flooding and nearly 20,000 BLO posts unfilled across Bihar.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear the matter on July 7. During the hearing on July 10, the Court did not stop the revision. But it asked the ECI to accept Aadhaar, EPIC (voter ID), and ration cards as valid identity proof.

The Court warned the ECI not to exclude genuine voters. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi stated they would step in if large-scale voter deletion occurs. The next hearing is scheduled for August 12 and 13.

The Court wants a fair revision process before the Bihar Assembly elections. It continues to monitor the situation while respecting the ECI’s independence.

ECI Defends Transparency amid Rollback Rumors

The ECI claims the process remains transparent and unchanged. It released statements on July 4, 5, and 6, dismissing rumors about a rollback. Officials confirmed that the first phase of the revision went as planned.

The ECI says its focus is on including, not excluding, voters. The Supreme Court has echoed this view, stressing that citizens must not lose their right to vote unfairly.

This revision affects millions, especially migrant workers and poor communities. The case has triggered national debate about ensuring fairness while maintaining clean voter lists.

As the August hearings approach, all eyes are on Bihar. The outcome will shape how India balances voter rights and electoral integrity.

Case Details: [Association for Democratic Reforms & Ors. v. Election Commission of India & Ors.]