Why in News :
The Election Commission has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Bihar electoral rolls, just months before the Assembly elections in November 2025. This move has triggered political opposition and fears of mass disenfranchisement, especially among marginalised and migrant groups.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
- A large-scale voter list verification exercise through door-to-door verification by BLOs (Booth Level Officers).
- First such revision in Bihar since 2003.
- Timeline:
- June 25 – July 3: Form distribution
- Till July 25: Collection of filled forms
- August 1: Draft electoral rolls published
- September 30: Final list to be released
Election Commission’s Rationale:
- Rising migration, urbanisation, and unrecorded deaths have distorted electoral rolls.
- Need to remove non-citizens and illegal entries to ensure electoral integrity.
- Asserts it is fulfilling its constitutional mandate under Article 324.
Why is it Controversial?
Political Timing
- Only 5 months before elections—leaves little time for due process, corrections, or appeals.
- Monsoon floods in Bihar affect 73% of the state—making ground verification difficult.
Fear of Exclusion
- Congress and RJD warn that nearly 2 crore legitimate voters (especially SCs/STs, migrants, landless poor) could be excluded for lack of proper documents.
- Document requirement tiers based on birth year are complex and cumbersome.
- E.g., for those born after 2004, both parents’ birth details are needed.
Risk of NRC-like Fallout
- Comparisons drawn with Assam NRC, where 19 lakh+ people were excluded.
- In Bihar’s context of high illiteracy and migration, errors may be systemic.
- Could skew results in closely contested Assembly seats.
Constitutional and Legal Issues:
Disenfranchisement Risks
- Violates Article 326 (Right to Vote for adult citizens).
- Violates Section 14 of the Representation of People Act, 1950, if removals are arbitrary.
Due Process and Natural Justice
- Denial of opportunity to be heard or file objections in time may violate principles of natural justice.
Judicial Non-Intervention
- Courts avoid intervening during active election schedules—limiting legal remedies.
Election Commission’s Response:
- Claims full transparency and adherence to guidelines.
- BLOs instructed to assist elderly and vulnerable groups.
- Political parties invited to supervise and file objections.
Broader Issues Highlighted:
| Issue | Explanation |
| Electoral Trust | Last-minute mass revision may erode public confidence in the electoral process. |
| Federal Concerns | If voters in one state are disproportionately excluded, it raises concerns of electoral federalism imbalance. |
| Digital and Documentary Divide | Many poor or migrant citizens may lack legacy documents, especially women and informal workers. |
| Democratic Inclusion | Large-scale exclusion threatens the inclusive character of democracy. |
Way Forward:
- Defer Large-Scale Revision: Such exercises must be well before elections (1+ year).
- Simplify Documentation: Accept wider documentary proof; create an appeal mechanism.
- Proactive Grievance Redressal: Enable real-time tracking of claims and corrections.
- Involve Civil Society: Encourage independent monitoring in flood-affected areas.
- ECI Transparency: Weekly public briefings on verification and deletion data.
| UPSC Relevance : GS Paper 2: Governance; Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act; Role of Election Commission; Federalism; Vulnerable Sections Mains Answer Writing Practice Q. Critically examine the constitutional and political implications of the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly Elections. (15 marks) |