Bihar voter list revision: ECI assures SC of safeguards against wrongful deletions
New Delhi, Aug 10: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Supreme Court that names will not be deleted from Bihar’s draft electoral roll without prior notice, an opportunity for the elector to be heard, and a formal order from the competent authority.In an additional affidavit filed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, the Commission detailed measures to ensure due process in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll ahead of the Bihar assembly elections.
The safeguards are backed by a two-tier appeal mechanism, enabling affected voters to challenge any adverse action, reports Bar & Bench.
The first stage of the SIR concluded with the publication of the draft electoral roll on August 1, following house-to-house visits by Booth Level Officers to collect enumeration forms from existing electors. The Commission said details of electors whose forms were not received were shared with recognised political parties and their booth-level agents in July to facilitate corrective action before finalisation. Updated lists were later shared for follow-up. Out of 7.89 crore electors in the state, over 7.24 crore submitted enumeration forms, assisted by state election machinery, volunteers, and party representatives. About 2.5 lakh volunteers, mostly government officers, were deployed to help voters, including in arranging required documents. Advertisements in 246 Hindi newspapers across the country targeted migrant workers to encourage participation, reports Bar & Bench.
The affidavit also noted that strict directions had been issued to prevent deletions without notice and a formal order. Daily press releases and bulletins have been issued to keep the public informed about claims and objections, with action to be taken after the notice period ends. The SIR, announced on June 24, is the first such revision in Bihar since 2003. It has been challenged in the Supreme Court by the Association for Democratic Reforms, the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, and others, who allege constitutional and legal violations. On July 10, the Court declined to halt the revision but directed that Aadhaar, EPIC, and ration cards be accepted as valid documents. The matter is scheduled for hearing on August 12 and 13. Bar & Bench
