What Response Will the ECI Provide Regarding Omitted Voters in Bihar's Draft Rolls?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court's inquiry into the Election Commission's handling of omitted voters in Bihar's draft rolls uncovers major implications for electoral transparency. As nearly 65 lakh voters face potential disenfranchisement, the case exemplifies the delicate balance between administrative efficiency and public accountability.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court is actively involved in ensuring electoral transparency in Bihar.
- Nearly 65 lakh voters' names have been omitted from the draft rolls, raising serious concerns.
- The ADR's application highlights the need for accountability from the ECI.
- Political parties must be informed to safeguard voter rights.
- The upcoming hearing on August 12 is crucial for the future of these voters.
New Delhi, Aug 6 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has requested a response from the Election Commission of India (ECI) concerning a petition that seeks to unveil details about nearly 65 lakh voters whose names were excluded from the recently released draft electoral rolls in Bihar.
A bench that includes Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan, and N.K. Singh issued this order after advocate Prashant Bhushan brought up the application presented by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The ADR's application calls for the ECI to disclose booth-wise and constituency-wise lists of voters whose enumeration forms were not submitted, along with justifications for non-submission (like death, permanent relocation, duplication, untraceable status, etc.) for each individual.
To assist political parties, the public, and petitioners in verifying the draft electoral rolls, the application also requests a list of voters on the draft rolls for each Assembly constituency and booth, whose enumeration forms have been marked as 'not recommended' by the BLO (Booth Level Officer).
Following the poll body's statement that the details of deleted voters had already been shared with political party booth-level representatives, the Justice Kant-led Bench asked the ECI to submit its response.
“Provide a list of political parties that received this information. We will convene to hear this matter on August 12. Please file your response by Saturday (August 9),” stated the apex court.
“We will ensure that every potentially impacted voter is informed and given a chance to meet the requirements. Both political parties and local administrations must possess the necessary information,” it added.
The ADR filed an interlocutory application on Tuesday, contesting the June 26 decision by the ECI that initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of elections.
The application highlighted the ECI's press release dated July 25, which indicated that nearly 65 lakh voter names may be removed from the current electoral rolls due to the SIR procedure.
“This indicates that the ECI possesses information regarding nearly 22 lakh deceased voters, about 35 lakh voters who have either permanently moved or are untraceable, around seven lakh voters registered at multiple locations, and approximately 1.2 lakh voters whose enumeration forms are still pending,” the application stated.
The plea further noted that the poll body's lack of transparency regarding the specific reasons for the deletion of each of the 65 lakh names seems to aim at hindering the general public, including petitioners, from verifying whether the individuals listed are indeed deceased or have permanently relocated.
Meanwhile, sources within the Bihar election office indicated that, contrary to claims by opposition parties that the SIR could disenfranchise many voters, the opposition has not identified any flaws in the process. According to the poll panel, no claims or objections have been submitted by any political party since August 1.
Point of View
My perspective aligns with the collective voice of the nation. The Supreme Court's scrutiny of the ECI's actions in this matter is paramount for upholding democratic integrity. Ensuring that every citizen's right to vote is safeguarded is essential for a functioning democracy and the nation must hold its institutions accountable.
NationPress
10/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Supreme Court request from the ECI?
The Supreme Court requested a response from the ECI regarding the omission of nearly 65 lakh voters from Bihar's draft electoral rolls.
Who filed the application urging the ECI for voter details?
The application was filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
What specific information is the ADR seeking?
The ADR seeks constituency and booth-wise lists of omitted voters, along with reasons for their omission.
What date did the Supreme Court set for the next hearing?
The next hearing is scheduled for August 12.
What has the ECI stated regarding the information shared with political parties?
The ECI stated that the details of deleted voters had already been shared with the booth-level representatives of political parties.
