Is SC’s Bihar SIR Ruling a Major Win for Democracy?
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Synopsis
Congress leader KC Venugopal celebrates the Supreme Court's ruling on Bihar's electoral rolls, calling it a huge win for democracy. This decision promises to enhance transparency and protect voting rights, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against electoral manipulation.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court ruling enhances electoral transparency.
- Machine-readable electoral rolls to be made accessible.
- Inclusion of Aadhaar is vital for voter protection.
- Opposition vows to combat electoral malpractices.
- Transparency is key to safeguarding democracy.
New Delhi, Aug 14 (NationPress) Congress general secretary KC Venugopal on Thursday celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar as a significant triumph for democracy and a powerful statement against those who aimed to manipulate the electoral framework.
In response to the ruling, Venugopal, who was among the petitioners, emphasized that the Supreme Court’s directives would greatly improve transparency in the SIR procedure and safeguard the voting rights of countless individuals.
“The Court has mandated that machine-readable electoral rolls should be made accessible - aligning with one of the main demands from Rahul ji’s press conference,” he noted in a post on X.
The Supreme Court also instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to promptly disclose information about the 65 lakh names removed during the SIR in Bihar. Venugopal called this a vital step towards introducing much-needed transparency to the process.
In a development welcomed by the Congress party, the court additionally directed the ECI to include the Aadhaar Card in its roster of 11 acceptable documents. Venugopal highlighted that in a state like Bihar, Aadhaar is the most commonly held document among the poor and marginalized, making its inclusion essential to prevent disenfranchisement.
Describing the ruling as “an important initial step” in the fight against what he termed the “harsh and disastrous SIR process,” Venugopal accused the electoral body of malpractices and collusion in vote rigging. He pledged that the opposition’s campaign to unveil these issues would proceed “with renewed enthusiasm.”
The Congress and other opposition factions have persistently criticized the ECI regarding the SIR in Bihar, alleging widespread and arbitrary voter deletions, particularly affecting the underprivileged. The SIR, intended to cleanse electoral rolls, became contentious in the state following reports of mass deletions last month.
Point of View
The recent ruling by the Supreme Court regarding the SIR process in Bihar is being viewed as a significant step towards ensuring electoral integrity. It highlights the ongoing struggle against potential malpractices within the Election Commission and emphasizes the importance of protecting the voting rights of all citizens. The commitment of the opposition to hold the electoral body accountable is a crucial aspect of maintaining democratic values in the country.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Supreme Court's ruling regarding the SIR process in Bihar?
The Supreme Court ruled that the electoral rolls in Bihar should be revised with transparency, ensuring that machine-readable electoral rolls are made available and that details about deleted names are published.
Why is the inclusion of Aadhaar Card important in the electoral process?
The inclusion of Aadhaar Card is crucial because it is widely held among the poor and marginalized in Bihar, helping to prevent disenfranchisement.
What are the allegations against the Election Commission of India?
The Election Commission has faced allegations of large-scale and arbitrary deletions of voters, particularly targeting weaker sections of society during the SIR process.
