New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to impose an interim stay on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in Bihar, even as it agreed to hear petitions challenging the move on an urgent basis this Thursday.
The matter, which has stirred a political storm in the poll-bound state, has been brought before the apex court by several prominent opposition figures including RJD MP Manoj Jha, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, and activist Yogendra Yadav. The petitioners argue that the drive could potentially lead to mass disenfranchisement, especially of marginalized communities.
Following the court’s decision to issue notice and schedule a hearing, Moitra took to social media platform X, writing:
“Bihar SIR petition allowed in SC. Notice issued. Hearing on Thursday. Satyameva Jayate.”
EC’s Revision Drive Sparks Political Outcry
The Election Commission launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign in Bihar recently to “verify and update” the state’s electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. According to the ECI, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door verification, asking citizens to produce relevant documents to validate their eligibility.
However, opposition parties have strongly opposed the move, calling it undemocratic and discriminatory. They allege that the drive will unfairly target Dalits, backward communities, the poor, and those without adequate paperwork.
Opposition Accuses ECI-BJP Nexus
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the need for such a verification process, especially for citizens who have consistently voted in past elections.
“Why are lifelong voters suddenly being asked to prove their identity again? This is a sinister attempt by the BJP-RSS to deprive the poor and backward of their constitutional right to vote,” Kharge said, warning that nearly 8 crore people could be affected.
Echoing similar concerns, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the BJP of manipulating the electoral process in fear of losing.
“Modi-Nitish are conspiring to erase voters and crush democracy through the Election Commission. When the vote itself is snatched away, what Constitution will remain?” Yadav posted on X.
Bihar Polls Expected Later This Year
The Bihar Assembly elections are likely to be held in the last quarter of 2025, and the ongoing voter verification drive has become a flashpoint between the ruling NDA and the INDIA bloc.
As the matter now moves to the Supreme Court for a detailed hearing on Thursday, all eyes are on whether the apex court will intervene or allow the ECI’s drive to continue.
