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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has formally informed the Supreme Court that it has complied with the court’s directives to ensure transparency in the revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls. This comes in response to concerns raised about the exclusion of approximately 65 lakh voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise ahead of the upcoming hearing scheduled for August 22, 2025. The submission marks a key step in addressing public and political concerns about voter disenfranchisement and ensuring democratic accountability.
Key Highlights of the Election Commission's Submission
ECI has published the booth-wise and district-wise lists of the nearly 65 lakh electors omitted from the draft electoral rolls, with explanations for exclusion such as death, migration, or duplicate registration
These lists have been uploaded on the official websites of Bihar’s 38 District Election Officers (DEOs) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), and physically posted at Panchayat Bhawans, Block Development Offices, and Panchayat offices
The lists are searchable by EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) numbers to help affected voters verify their status
Public notices have been widely disseminated in vernacular and English newspapers, social media platforms, television, and radio to ensure maximum awareness
The ECI has clarified that Aadhaar cards can be used as valid identity proof for inclusion claims, expanding the list of accepted documents beyond the previous eleven accepted proofs
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have been tasked with assisting voters in understanding reasons for exclusion and processing claims for correction or re-inclusion
Political parties have been supplied with deletion lists at the block level, fulfilling a Supreme Court directive aimed at ensuring electoral fairness and transparency
Understanding the Background of the Special Intensive Revision
The Special Intensive Revision exercise was conducted in Bihar to update and clean the electoral rolls before impending elections. However, the removal of such a large number of voters triggered allegations of irregularities and disenfranchisement. Various petitions challenged the constitutional validity of the SIR process, arguing violation of fundamental rights and invoking citizen concerns about inadequate communication and verification.
The Supreme Court intervened to require the ECI to make the deletion details public to ensure affected voters could seek corrections or file claims. The court has stressed the importance of transparency and public access to information as foundations of a robust electoral democracy.
Challenges Addressed by ECI’s Measures
Ensuring voters know if and why their names have been deleted, preventing inadvertent disenfranchisement
Clarifying that Aadhaar identity proof is valid to smoothen the re-inclusion process given the large number of affected electors
Enabling political parties to scrutinize the revision process with access to detailed deletion lists to maintain checks and balances
Providing multiple access points—online and physical—for citizens across urban and rural areas to view the exclusion lists and file claims
The Supreme Court Hearing on August 22
The court is scheduled to hear multiple petitions contesting the SIR exercise for Bihar on August 22 at 2 pm. Petitions involve NGOs like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), along with political leaders. They seek to set aside aspects of the ECI’s June 2025 order that guided the revision exercise, contending procedural lapses and constitutional violations.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, will examine the adequacy of ECI’s compliance including publication of names and reasons for voter exclusions, acceptance of Aadhaar for re-inclusion, and transparency mechanisms ensuring no eligible voter is left without recourse.
Broader Implications for India’s Electoral Process
This case underscores critical questions on electoral roll accuracy, voter inclusion, and administrative transparency. Balancing clean and credible electoral rolls with protection against disenfranchisement remains a key challenge for election authorities nationwide. The court’s insistence on openness and accessibility sets precedents likely influencing future electoral revisions and democratic governance practices across India.
In conclusion, the Election Commission’s comprehensive steps in publishing excluded voters’ names, facilitating claims with Aadhaar, and engaging stakeholders aim to uphold the constitutional mandate of inclusive democratic participation. The forthcoming Supreme Court hearing will be pivotal in affirming these principles while addressing public grievances.
Sources: The Leaflet, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, India Today, New Indian Express, Supreme Court Observer
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