New Delhi, July 29, 2025
The Supreme Court of India has announced that it will commence a detailed hearing on August 12 and 13, 2025, to examine serious allegations against the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of electoral rolls. The Court has stated in no uncertain terms: “If there’s mass exclusion, we’ll step in.”
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made this observation while hearing a batch of petitions that alleged the ECI’s methodology for SIR could potentially strip millions of eligible voters from the rolls without sufficient transparency or safeguards.
Background: What Is SIR and Why the Controversy?
The Special Intensive Revision in Bihar is an ongoing process initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clean the electoral rolls. The Commission claims it aims to remove duplicate, deceased, or untraceable entries. But civil rights groups and opposition parties allege that the criteria for deletion are vague and exclude essential identity documents like:
• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID (EPIC)
• Ration Card
These documents are held by a vast majority of citizens, and their exclusion, according to petitioners, raises red flags about potential voter suppression.
Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court made it clear that it will not interfere with the August 1 publication of the draft voter rolls, but it issued a stern caution:
“If even one genuine, living voter proves their wrongful exclusion, we will take immediate action,” said Justice Surya Kant during the hearing.
The bench emphasized the need to ensure electoral integrity while preventing any unjust disenfranchisement of citizens.
What’s at Stake?
According to petitioners, up to 65 lakh names could be deleted during the revision process. They argue:
• There’s a lack of due process in deletion.
• Citizens aren’t receiving proper notice.
• The verification process is allegedly being conducted without public participation or informed consent.
The ECI, in its reply, has maintained that the SIR is part of routine electoral maintenance and no individual is being targeted.
Bigger Picture
This case isn’t just about Bihar it’s about how India verifies voter eligibility, especially in a country where documentation varies greatly across income and literacy levels. The outcome could influence national electoral practices, especially with Assembly elections approaching in multiple states.
Case Title: Loktantrik Jan Adhikar Manch & Others v. Election Commission of India & Others
