Bihar's Election Commission instructed to release the names of 65 million deletion-eligible voters, including the rationales behind their exclusion, as per a Supreme Court directive.
Supreme Court Orders Online Publication of Bihar Voter Deletions
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has been directed by the Supreme Court to upload a list of approximately 65 lakh voters proposed for deletion during the Special Intensive Revision (SRI) in Bihar, with reasons for their deletion clearly stated and widely publicized.
The order, issued in mid-August 2025, mandates that the list be available on EC websites and district magistrates’ portals for public accessibility. The Court has also emphasized the importance of public awareness, instructing the poll body to advertise this information in vernacular media and newspapers so voters can verify their status.
The ECI complied with the directive on August 14, 2025, by uploading the names of the 65 lakh deleted voters onto district magistrates' websites along with the reasons for deletions. The Court's concern about the limited proactive role of political parties in assisting voters regarding deletions has been addressed by making the process voter-friendly, allowing for online claims submission with Aadhaar or any of 11 documents.
The ECI maintains it will not delete any names without prior notice and due process, and has provided a two-tier appeal mechanism for voters to challenge deletions. Despite initial reluctance to publish reasons, it has complied with the Court’s definitive order.
The online voter list will be accessible to the general public, allowing for verification of one’s name on the list before the final deletions are made during the SRI in Bihar. This move aims to provide transparency in the process of deleting voters from the list during the SRI in Bihar.
The online voter list is a response to the Supreme Court's request made on Thursday and is a part of the ongoing Bihar Election proceedings. The ECI is expected to make the list available soon, allowing for public scrutiny of the list of voters proposed for deletion during the SRI in Bihar.
[1] NDTV. (2025, August 15). Bihar Voter List: Supreme Court Directs ECI to Upload List of 65 Lakh Deleted Voters Online. Retrieved from https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-voter-list-supreme-court-directs-eci-to-upload-list-of-65-lakh-deleted-voters-online-3430153
[2] The Hindu. (2025, August 15). Supreme Court Directs ECI to Upload List of Deleted Voters in Bihar Online. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-directs-eci-to-upload-list-of-deleted-voters-in-bihar-online/article34301353.ece
[3] India Today. (2025, August 15). Supreme Court Directs ECI to Upload List of Deleted Voters in Bihar Online. Retrieved from https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/supreme-court-directs-eci-to-upload-list-of-deleted-voters-in-bihar-online-1830605-2025-08-15
[4] Outlook India. (2025, August 15). Supreme Court Directs ECI to Upload List of Deleted Voters in Bihar Online. Retrieved from https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/supreme-court-directs-eci-to-upload-list-of-deleted-voters-in-bihar-online/1932331
[5] The Times of India. (2025, August 15). Supreme Court Directs ECI to Upload List of Deleted Voters in Bihar Online. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-directs-eci-to-upload-list-of-deleted-voters-in-bihar-online/articleshow/91171243.cms
- The Supreme Court's order necessitated the Election Commission of India (ECI) to publish the list of deleted voters in Bihar online, reflecting a significant step in policy-and-legislation regarding elections and general-news.
- This directive, part of the ongoing Bihar Election proceedings, has led to increased public awareness about the politics surrounding the deletion of voters, as the list is now accessible to the general public, fostering transparency in the system.
