In a politically charged development, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. The matter, which has sparked intense debate between the Opposition and the ruling BJP-led NDA, will be taken up for hearing on Thursday, July 10.
The petitions were filed by several political and civil society entities including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the Congress, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, and NGOs such as the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). The petitioners have sought an immediate halt to the SIR process, raising concerns about large-scale disenfranchisement of eligible voters in Bihar.
What is the Controversy?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued directives on June 24 to begin a Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar, aiming to verify the voter database, eliminate ineligible names, and include missing eligible citizens.
According to the ECI, voters must submit their documentation by July 25, 2025, or during the claims and objections period that will follow. The exercise is set to affect nearly 8 crore voters, in preparation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections, expected in October–November 2025.
The Opposition has strongly objected to the timing and scope of the exercise. They argue that such a significant revision — which could lead to the deletion of over 2 crore names — should not be carried out so close to the elections.
Who Are the Petitioners?
Congress leader and senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi sought an urgent hearing on the matter, which the Supreme Court allowed. The court has also given time for parties to file detailed submissions before the Thursday hearing.
Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, one of the key petitioners, welcomed the SC’s decision, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“Bihar SIR petition allowed in Supreme Court… Hearing on Thursday. Satyameva Jayate (Truth Alone Triumphs).”
RJD MP Manoj Jha had earlier urged the top court to intervene, calling the SIR an “unfair and unjust exercise” designed to target specific voter groups.
Opposition’s Fears: A Threat to Democracy?
The core argument from the Opposition is that the SIR disproportionately affects women, the poor, and marginalized communities. These groups often face difficulty in maintaining up-to-date documentation due to frequent migration, illiteracy, and socioeconomic barriers.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Bihar’s Leader of Opposition, criticized the move sharply:
“Why is Bihar being singled out? The last such revision was nationwide in 2003. What justifies doing this only in Bihar now?”
He added that the sudden nature of the exercise, especially without a nationwide rollout, raises serious doubts about its intent and transparency.
Leaders of the INDIA bloc (of which the RJD is a constituent) have also met ECI officials in Delhi and Patna to register their protests and demand accountability.
The BJP’s Stand: “Cleaning the Rolls, Not the Voters”
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has defended the exercise, accusing the Opposition of preemptively blaming the system ahead of an expected electoral defeat.
According to BJP spokespersons, the SIR is not politically motivated, but a response to genuine challenges in maintaining a clean and updated electoral roll. These include:
- Rapid urbanisation and internal migration
- New young voters becoming eligible
- Failure to report deaths of registered voters
- Concerns over inclusion of foreign illegal immigrants
The ECI echoed these concerns, stating its goal is to “ensure the integrity of the democratic process by preparing an accurate and error-free voter list.”
Why It Matters
With 243 Assembly seats, Bihar is a politically crucial state. A flawed or manipulated voter roll could significantly alter the outcome of the upcoming election.
Analysts warn that millions of voters could be turned away at polling booths if the SIR is rushed or conducted without safeguards. At the same time, if the exercise uncovers major irregularities, it could be an important step in improving India’s electoral infrastructure.
The Supreme Court’s hearing on July 10 will now be pivotal in determining whether the ECI can proceed, pause, or alter the process.
As Bihar prepares for what could be a tightly contested election later this year, the ongoing debate over the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls has become a flashpoint between the Election Commission and the Opposition. With the highest court in the country stepping in, all eyes will be on Thursday’s proceedings—and the balance between voter security and electoral fairness.
