Will the SC Resume Hearing on Petitions Against SIR in Bihar Tomorrow?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court is gearing up for a crucial hearing on petitions contesting the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, a topic that has ignited intense political discourse ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. This pivotal session could shape the electoral landscape in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court is set to resume hearing petitions against the SIR in Bihar.
- Political parties, including the RJD, are actively involved in challenging the SIR process.
- Voter list integrity is crucial for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections in 2025.
- The ECI has assured that claims submitted after the September 1 deadline will be considered.
- A nationwide implementation of SIR is under consideration by the ECI.
New Delhi, Sep 7 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is scheduled to revisit a series of petitions on Monday that challenge the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar.
This initiative, aimed at cleansing the voter list, has sparked intense political and legal discussions in anticipation of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
As indicated in the causelist available on the apex court's website, a panel comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi will continue hearing the challenges against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) directive for the SIR process in Bihar on September 8.
Last week, the bench led by Justice Surya Kant chose not to extend the September 1 deadline set by the ECI for submitting claims and objections regarding the draft electoral rolls issued following the initial phase of the SIR.
This decision came after the ECI assured the apex court that objections submitted after September 1, but prior to the final nomination date, would still be considered for inclusion in the voter list.
The Supreme Court was reviewing applications submitted by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and other political entities in the primary matter that requested an extension of the poll body’s deadline for filing claims.
In an order issued on September 1, the Justice Surya Kant-led panel stated: "The evaluation of claims will persist until the last date of nominations. Claims/objections may continue to be filed."
Furthermore, it instructed the Bihar State Legal Services Authority to assign para legal volunteers (PLVs) to aid voters and political parties in submitting online claims, objections, or corrections.
In the meantime, sources suggest that the ECI is contemplating implementing SIR nationwide and has convened a meeting of all state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in Delhi on September 10. This meeting will include Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commissioners, and other senior officials from the election body. This matter is particularly noteworthy as elections are approaching next year in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, and reports indicate that the ECI is likely to conduct the SIR throughout the country.
Point of View
My perspective emphasizes the need for a transparent electoral process. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on the petitions regarding the SIR in Bihar reflects the complexities of electoral reforms in India. It’s crucial that the Election Commission ensures a fair voter list while addressing the concerns of political parties. The nation looks forward to a balanced judgment that upholds democracy.
NationPress
07/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an initiative by the Election Commission of India aimed at updating and purifying the electoral rolls to ensure accurate voter representation.
Why are petitions being filed against the SIR in Bihar?
Petitions are being filed due to concerns regarding the SIR process's impact on voter representation and the deadline for filing claims and objections.
When will the Supreme Court hear the petitions?
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the petitions on September 8.
What are the implications of this hearing?
The implications could significantly affect the electoral process in Bihar and set a precedent for other states as elections approach.
Who is leading the Supreme Court bench for this hearing?
The bench is led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi.
