By Nilanjana Sarkar
The Supreme Court is reviewing petitions against the Elections Commission of India’s decision to revise Bihar’s voters list, amid concerns of potential mass exclusion of voters.The petitioners argue that the SIR process could lead to the exclusion of millions of voters, particularly vulnerable groups, and violates constitutional provisions.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi summarised the petitioners’ argument that it was a battle between Constitutional entitlements and Constitutional rights. The petitioners argued that the Election Commission did not have the right to decide on citizenship, nor de facto remove an elector from the list.
In the previous hearing, the Bench, also comprising Justice Surya acknowledge Kant, that “mistakes” may have occurred in preparing the draft rolls, noting the ECI’s willingness to correct them. The petitioners reminded the Supreme Court of its earlier assurance to intervene if the SIR process results in “mass exclusion” of voters.
The Supreme Court has intervened in a controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The petitioners’ concerns are centered on potential exclusions of millions of voters, particularly vulnerable groups, due to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) directive to revise the electoral roles through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The petitioners claim that existing electors have a statutory right to remain in the electoral rolls and that the ECI’s directive violates constitutional provisions. They fear that around 65 lakh voters may be excluded without a proper opportunity to be heard.
The Supreme Court has assured the petitioners that it will not let any mass exclusion take place during the draft list preparation. The court emphasized the importance of “en mass inclusion” rather than “en masse exclusion” of voters.
The ECI maintains that the SIR is a vital exercise to ensure the accuracy and purity of electoral rolls. However, the petitioners argue that the process is being carried out in a manner that disenfranchises eligible voters.
The outcome of this case will determine the future of electoral democracy in Bihar and potentially set a precedent for other states. The Supreme Court’s intervention has brought relief to millions of voters in Bihar who were at risk of being excluded from the electoral rolls. As the court continues to hear the matter, the fate of electoral registration in Bihar hangs in the balance. The court’s decision will have far-reaching consequences for the democratic process in Bihar and the rights of its citizens. Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s intervention will ensure that the electoral process in Bihar is fair, inclusive, and representative of the people’s will.