Will the SC Hear the Pleas Against SIR in Bihar Today?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Supreme Court prepares to address petitions challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar, highlighting concerns over voter exclusion and the integrity of the electoral process. This crucial hearing could impact the upcoming assembly elections, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the democratic process.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court will hear petitions challenging the SIR in Bihar.
- Concerns over voter exclusion and electoral integrity are at the forefront.
- The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for November.
- The ECI insists that allegations of mass deletions are unfounded.
- Legal aid and support for excluded voters is being organized.
New Delhi, Oct 16 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is poised to deliberate on Thursday regarding several petitions contesting the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) resolution to initiate a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the election-bound state of Bihar. According to the causelist available on the apex court's website, a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi will continue the hearing on October 16.
During the previous session, the Justice Kant-led Bench instructed the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) to liaise with the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) to ensure that paralegal volunteers and legal aid attorneys are accessible to assist individuals who have been excluded from the voters' list in submitting appeals.
“The DLSAs are required to disseminate the contact information of these volunteers throughout villages, coordinate with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and confirm that all eligible voters are aware of their rights,” the apex court mandated, directing BSLSA to submit a status report within a week.
In that previous hearing, the ECI dismissed claims that numerous names were removed from the final voter list as a result of the SIR for the electoral rolls in Bihar.
Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, contended that the affidavits presented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, who appeared for the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), were misleading.
Dwivedi informed the apex court that many individuals who alleged they were “deleted” were never included in the draft list because they had not submitted their enumeration forms.
The ECI asserted that a “false” affidavit had been submitted, which constitutes perjury, and clarified that the individual in question had never appeared in the draft list, emphasizing that their failure to submit the necessary enumeration form led to their exclusion from the final list. At this point, the Justice Kant-led Bench expressed discontent with Bhushan for providing the affidavit without adequate verification.
“The individual should have provided accurate information; we find this unacceptable,” remarked the apex court.
Bhushan defended his position, stating that affidavits from 20 other individuals were in similar circumstances, and verifying their authenticity was challenging. However, the apex court responded, “Given our experience with this affidavit, we cannot determine the authenticity of the others!”
It further stated that it was ADR’s obligation to ensure the accuracy of such affidavits before they were presented to the top court.
Meanwhile, the ECI has announced that the Bihar Assembly elections will take place in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with the vote counting scheduled for November 14.
In a recent press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar characterized the forthcoming Bihar polls as the “mother of all elections”, underscoring the extensive preparations to guarantee a peaceful and transparent voting process.
“We want to reassure the voters of Bihar that the elections will not only be seamless and fair but also the most peaceful ever, with a special emphasis on law and order,” stated the CEC, accompanied by fellow Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize the significance of the Supreme Court's upcoming hearing regarding the SIR in Bihar. The electoral integrity and the rights of voters are at stake, and it is crucial that the judicial process is respected and upheld. Nation remains committed to advocating for transparency and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that every citizen's voice is heard.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated by the Election Commission to update and verify the electoral rolls, ensuring that all eligible voters are accurately represented.
Why are the petitions being filed against the SIR in Bihar?
Petitions are being filed due to concerns that numerous eligible voters have been erroneously excluded from the electoral rolls, which could impact their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
What are the potential implications of the Supreme Court's ruling?
The Supreme Court's ruling could significantly impact the electoral process in Bihar, potentially leading to the reinstatement of excluded voters and ensuring a fair election.
When are the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled?
The Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting set for November 14.
Who is responsible for ensuring the accuracy of voter affidavits?
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) is responsible for ensuring the veracity of affidavits submitted to the Supreme Court regarding voter exclusions.
