The Supreme Court will hear petitions on July 10 challenging the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls—a move stirring intense debate ahead of the state elections. Several opposition leaders and civil society groups have raised their concerns about the fairness, timing, and legality about the process.
What’s the Issue?
On June 24, the Election Commission of India (ECI) have announced a special revision regarding Bihar’s voter list. The ECI aims to remove ineligible names and include only verified citizens. Critics argue the rushed process may disenfranchise genuine voters, especially from marginalized groups. Voters missing from the 2003 rolls must submit citizenship documents. Those born after December 2004 must provide their own and their parents’ documents. If a parent holds foreign nationality, passport and visa copies are also required.
Who’s Challenging It?
A host from prominent figures and organizations have filed petitions, including RJD MP Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, activist Yogendra Yadav, and groups like the Association from Democratic Reforms (ADR) and People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)
They are arguing that the ECI’s directive violates several constitutional rights, which includes,
Articles 14, 21, 325, and 326 of the Indian Constitution guarantee the right to equality, the right to life and personal liberty, and ensure universal adult suffrage along with non-discrimination in the preparation of electoral rolls.
What Did the Court Say?
A vacation bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi both have agreed to hear the matter on July 10. While the court has not stayed up on the revision process, it has issued notices to the Election Commission and the Centre, seeking for their responses.
Senior advocates like Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi argue that the timeline is too short and could result in lakhs of voters being unfairly removed from the rolls. Bihar last conducted a similar revision in 2003, making this the first major update in over two decades.
What’s at the Stake?
If the Supreme Court rules goes against the Election Commission, it could have set a precedent for how the voter verification could be handled across India—especially in the run-up to elections. On the other hand, if the court upholds with the ECI’s move, it may pave to the way for their similar revisions in other states too.
As Bihar gears up for the elections, all eyes are now on the Supreme Court. The outcome of this case could been shaped not just of the state’s electoral future, but also influences how India balances the voter integrity with it’s inclusivity.
