Supreme Court Monitors Bihar Electoral Roll Revisions

The Supreme Court is supervising the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar due to concerns of mass voter exclusion. With 65 lakh individuals potentially left out, the bench emphasizes legal adherence, while petitioners argue for inclusion of valid voters in the list.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar amidst claims of mass voter exclusion. The bench assured oversight, demanding legal adherence from the EC, with hearings scheduled for August 12 and 13. Concerns are raised about 65 lakh potential exclusions.

Counsel for the petitioners, including senior advocate Kapil Sibal, argued that failing to include eligible individuals in the draft list would infringe on voting rights. The EC, while defending its actions, stated that many excluded individuals had not submitted forms, being either deceased or relocated.

The court mandated the submission of documents from both sides by August 8. Although refusing a stay on publication, the court emphasized the authenticity of Aadhaar and voter ID. The decision could impact future electoral processes and highlights the scrutiny facing electoral revisions.