Will the SC Resume Hearing on SIR Petitions in Bihar?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on petitions against the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar's electoral rolls is set to ignite discussions ahead of the crucial 2025 elections. This article dives into the implications of this legal battle and its potential impact on Bihar's political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to hear petitions on SIR.
- Potential implications for Bihar’s electoral process.
- Importance of timely submission of claims and objections.
- ECI’s assurance regarding post-deadline objections.
- Nationwide SIR considerations are underway.
New Delhi, Sep 8 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is set to hear multiple petitions today that challenge the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls.
This revision, aimed at refining the voter list, has ignited significant political and legal discussions as the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections approach.
According to the causelist on the apex court's website, a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi will continue to hear the petitions against the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) directive for the SIR process in Bihar.
Previously, the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench did not agree to extend the September 1 deadline set by the ECI for submitting claims and objections to the draft electoral rolls published following the initial phase of the SIR.
This decision followed the ECI's assurance to the apex court that objections filed post-September 1, but before the final nomination date, would still be evaluated for potential inclusion in the voters’ list.
The Supreme Court is reviewing applications from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and various other political entities that requested an extension of the ECI’s deadline for claim submissions.
In a ruling issued on September 1, the Justice Surya Kant-led Bench remarked: "The evaluation of claims will persist until the final nomination date. Claims/objections may continue to be submitted."
Additionally, the court urged the Bihar State Legal Services Authority to deploy para-legal volunteers (PLVs) to assist voters and political parties in filing online claims, objections, or corrections.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the ECI is contemplating implementing SIR nationwide and has summoned a meeting with all state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) in Delhi on September 10. This meeting will include the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the Election Commissioners, and other senior officials from the poll body.
Point of View
It's vital to recognize the significance of the Supreme Court's involvement in electoral processes. The ongoing hearing on the SIR petitions reflects not only legal challenges but also the broader implications for democracy and representation in Bihar. NationPress stands committed to bringing clarity and transparency to these crucial developments.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process initiated to update and clean up the electoral rolls, ensuring accurate voter representation.
Why are political parties challenging the SIR?
Political parties, including the RJD, are challenging the SIR due to concerns over the timelines for submitting claims and objections, which they believe could affect voter inclusion.
What is the significance of the upcoming Supreme Court hearing?
The Supreme Court hearing is significant as it could potentially impact the electoral process in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections.
What assurances did the ECI provide regarding objections?
The ECI assured that objections submitted after the September 1 deadline would still be considered before the last date for nominations.
When is the meeting of Chief Electoral Officers scheduled?
The meeting of Chief Electoral Officers is scheduled for September 10, aimed at discussing the implementation of SIR across the country.
