At the heart of the dispute is the ECI’s June 2025 announcement of a state-wide drive to verify the authenticity of voters in Bihar ahead of the 2025 state assembly elections. Under the SIR, voters are required to present documentary proof to confirm their inclusion on the electoral rolls, with a deadline set for July 25. Petitioners contend this timeline is impractically short and that many voters were never adequately informed about the need to re-verify their eligibility.
The case raises critical constitutional questions. The petitioners assert that the SIR violates Articles 14 (equality before law), 19 (freedom of expression), 21 (right to life and liberty), and more specifically Articles 325 and 326, which guarantee the right to vote without discrimination. Additionally, they argue that the move is inconsistent with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
The controversy intensified after leaked reports showed that millions of voters could potentially be struck off the rolls due to minor errors or lack of sufficient documentation. Civil society groups have also pointed to the absence of public consultation and transparency in the EC’s process, further stoking public distrust.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for July 10, just days before the ECI’s verification deadline. Legal experts say the Court’s ruling could redefine the boundaries of the Election Commission’s authority under Article 324 of the Constitution. The outcome may also affect the conduct of voter roll revisions in other states, particularly in light of similar plans being discussed in West Bengal and Delhi.
