Voter list amendments in Bihar: Election Commission informs Supreme Court that deletions of names will not occur without prior warning, as the court hearing ensues.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is taking several legal measures and procedural steps to prevent wrongful deletions and ensure the inclusion of all eligible voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar.

The SIR exercise, announced on June 24, is the first such revision in Bihar since 2003. It is being conducted under the powers granted by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950, along with the Registration of Electors Rules (RER), 1960, maintaining legal compliance.

One of the key safeguards is the public inspection of the draft electoral roll. Copies are supplied to recognized political parties to encourage transparency and monitoring. Individuals whose names are missing in the draft roll can file Form 6 (claims and objections) with a declaration during the specified period (August 1–September 1, 2025). This opportunity allows eligible voters to request inclusion or rectification, affirming that they are not deceased or have not permanently moved.

The ECI has incorporated a range of acceptable identity documents, including Aadhaar and ration cards, to address concerns of marginalized groups lacking documentation. This eases inclusion especially for economically backward sections, minorities, women, and migrants in Bihar.

The Commission has also emphasized that the procedure does not require publishing reasons for non-inclusion of names, consistent with legal provisions, to avoid undue delay while still allowing corrections. Early outreach to political parties and stakeholders for feedback and dispute resolution during the revision helps to identify and resolve unjust deletions or exclusions proactively.

Despite these safeguards, critics argue that strict documentation rules and additional scrutiny of voters registered before 2003 may inadvertently disenfranchise many, particularly poor and marginalized communities. The Supreme Court is monitoring the process closely and has reserved the right to intervene if violations occur.

The first stage of the Special Intensive Revision in the State of Bihar has been completed, and the Draft Electoral Roll has been published on August 1. The ECI has stated that no elector's name will be deleted from the draft electoral roll without prior notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a reasoned order from the competent authority.

The Commission has deployed about 2.5 lakhs volunteers, most of whom are also officers of the Government of Bihar, to assist electors, including in procuring the requisite documents. Strict directions were issued to prevent deletion of names without notice and a speaking order. The Commission shared details of electors whose enumeration forms were not received with recognized political parties to facilitate corrective action before finalising the draft electoral roll.

The affidavit mentions that the Commission has taken proactive efforts to ensure the inclusion of every eligible elector whose enumeration forms had not been received. Advertisements were published in Hindi in 246 newspapers across the country for migrant workers. Out of 7.89 crore electors in Bihar, over 7.24 crore submitted their enumeration forms with the involvement of State election machinery, volunteers, and party agents.

The Commission shared the list of electors whose enumeration forms had not been received with Booth Level Agents of the recognized political parties by July 20th. The affidavit details additional steps taken during the SIR of the electoral roll in Bihar, including measures to ensure maximum participation and prevent wrongful deletions.

The ECI has reinforced these safeguards with a robust two-tier appeal mechanism. The matter is listed for hearing on August 12 and 13, in response to a petition filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) raising objections to the SIR exercise ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. However, the affidavit does not specify the exact date of the elections.

In summary, the safeguards include public inspection of draft rolls, legal avenues for claims and objections, acceptance of multiple identity documents, early stakeholder engagement, and adherence to constitutional and statutory provisions to maintain electoral roll integrity while striving to include every eligible voter in Bihar during the Special Intensive Revision.

Voter list amendments in Bihar: Election Commission informs Supreme Court that deletions of names will not occur without prior warning, as the court hearing ensues.