Supreme Court's Caution to Election Commission on Electoral Roll Exclusions in Bihar

The Supreme Court has alerted the Election Commission of its role as a constitutional authority during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. Amid concerns about mass voter exclusion, the court outlined a review schedule, underscoring the obligation to protect citizens' voting rights during these revisions.

The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday regarding potential "mass exclusion" of voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. As a constitutional authority, the EC is expected to follow the law closely, and the apex court has scheduled further hearings on the issue for August 12 and 13.

Amid uproar from petitioners, including senior advocate Kapil Sibal, allegations surfaced that individuals were being unjustly removed from the draft list, which is due to be published by August 1. Concerns have been raised over the status of 65 lakh people, flagged by the EC as either deceased or relocated, who will need to reapply to vote.

The Supreme Court has tasked both the petitioners and the EC to submit written arguments by August 8, emphasizing the need for "en masse inclusion" rather than exclusion. This development follows the court's previous directive allowing the use of Aadhaar and voter ID as valid documents for registration.

(With inputs from agencies.)