APEX COURT ISSUE NOTICE TO THE ECI

APEX COURT ISSUE NOTICE TO THE ECI

8-JULY-ENG 14

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------The Supreme Court on Monday) heard the case of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar and issued notice to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi had sought an urgent hearing in the matter, after which the court fixed Thursday (10 July 2025) as the date for the next hearing.

In this case, petitioners like Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), and People's Union for Civil Liberties have challenged the SIR process in the Supreme Court, calling it unconstitutional and anti-people. They claim that it is difficult for the poor, migrant, and marginalized communities to gather the documents (such as birth certificate, domicile certificate) sought under this process, which may deprive millions of voters of the right to vote. The opposition has termed it as an attempt to "implement NRC by stealth".

The Election Commission has clarified that the process is transparent and aims to include only eligible voters in the list. According to the Commission, 4.96 crore voters in Bihar do not need to submit documents for verification. Still, the opposition and petitioners say that the short deadline (25 June to 26 July 2025) and the tough documentation conditions could deprive millions of people, especially minorities, SC/ST, and migrant workers, from voting.

The Supreme Court has not yet stayed the process, but the petitioners' demand and the Commission's response will be considered in the hearing to be held on Thursday.