Supreme Court Affirms Election Commission's Authority in Voter Roll Review

The Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission's authority to conduct a Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Bihar. The judgment emphasized the process aligns with constitutional requirements for free and fair elections and includes adequate safeguards to uphold the integrity of the electoral lists.

The Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission's authority to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar, affirming it does not conflict with the Representation of People Act or infringe on constitutional election principles. Chief Justice Surya Kant emphasized the process's compliance with proportionality and rationality to achieve electoral integrity.

The court acknowledged the alignment of documentation criteria with the goal of maintaining accurate voter rolls, stating the classification used does not result in arbitrary exclusions. Moreover, the Supreme Court clarified that while the EC can inquire into citizenship for voter list purposes, final citizenship decisions fall under central government purview.

The Supreme Court instructed the EC to refer cases of removed individuals to the competent authority within four weeks for a decision in accordance with the Citizenship Act. This decision should be concluded promptly, ensuring affected individuals are notified and heard before upcoming elections, reinstating those deemed citizens.