The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court to contest the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) directive for a 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, labeling it unconstitutional and a threat to democratic rights. The NGO argues that the ECI’s June 24 directive lacks transparency and could disenfranchise millions, particularly from marginalized communities, due to its stringent documentation requirements and tight timeline.
Arbitrary Directive Under Scrutiny
ADR’s petition claims the ECI’s order violates Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which mandates that special revisions must be justified with documented reasons. The NGO asserts that the ECI has provided no evidence-based rationale for the SIR, rendering the exercise arbitrary and legally questionable. This lack of clarity, they argue, undermines the integrity of the electoral process in a state gearing up for its November 2025 assembly elections.
Documentation Woes for Marginalised Voters
The ECI’s directive shifts the burden of voter registration onto citizens, requiring documents like birth certificates or parental records while excluding widely used identifiers such as Aadhaar or ration cards. ADR highlights that Bihar’s high poverty levels and significant migrant population make it difficult for many residents, especially Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and migrant workers, to produce these documents. The NGO estimates that this could exclude over three crore eligible voters, disproportionately affecting the state’s most vulnerable communities.
Also Read: Tejashwi Yadav Slams NDA Over Bihar’s ‘Collapsed’ Law and Order, Cites 65,000 Murders
Timing Raises Red Flags
With Bihar’s assembly elections scheduled for November 2025, ADR questions the timing of the SIR, which follows closely on the heels of a Special Summary Revision (SSR) conducted between October 29, 2024, and January 6, 2025. The SSR already addressed issues like voter migration and deceased voters, making the need for another intensive revision unclear. The short timeline for the SIR, according to ADR, leaves little room for citizens to comply, further risking widespread voter exclusion.
Threat to Democracy
ADR warns that the ECI’s directive could undermine free and fair elections, a cornerstone of India’s constitutional framework. Reports from Bihar indicate that many rural and marginalized voters lack the required documentation, heightening fears that genuine voters could be struck off the rolls. The NGO urges the Supreme Court to intervene and set aside the June 24 order to protect voter rights and ensure a fair electoral process.
As Bihar prepares for its 2025 polls, the outcome of this legal challenge could have far-reaching implications for electoral integrity and democratic participation in the state.
Also Read: HDFC CEO Jagdishan Challenges Lilavati Trust’s FIR in Supreme Court