Supreme Court Upholds Bihar Voter List Revision, Questions Election Commission’s Timing

The Supreme Court has given a big decision in the case of special intensive revision of voter list in Bihar. The court said that the voter list revision will continue in Bihar and we cannot stop the work of a constitutional institution.The bench, led by Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, affirmed the ECI’s constitutional authority, stating that its work cannot be impeded. However, the court raised concerns about the timing of the rapid revision, questioning why it was initiated so close to the polls, potentially risking voter disenfranchisement.

SC Upholds Bihar Voter List Revision

They argued that the process, launched on May 15, 2025, could exclude legitimate voters, particularly marginalized groups, due to the ECI’s demand for updated Aadhaar and address proofs. The petitioners cited past instances where similar revisions led to the removal of eligible voters, impacting electoral fairness in a state with 7.2 crore registered voters.

No Halt to Bihar Voter Revision

While refusing to halt the SIR, the court pressed the ECI on its decision to expedite the revision within a compressed timeline. Justices Dhulia and Bagchi noted that the proximity to the election could create logistical challenges and public mistrust. The ECI defended the SIR, stating it aims to remove duplicate entries and ensure an accurate voter list, with 1.8 lakh new voters added and 2.3 lakh deletions reported by July 1, 2025. The court directed the ECI to ensure transparency and address grievances promptly.

Supreme Court Backs ECI

The decision has sparked debate, with opposition parties warning of potential voter suppression, while the ECI insists the revision strengthens electoral integrity. The SIR, targeting over 4,000 polling stations, is set to conclude by August 15, 2025. Political analysts suggest the ruling may intensify scrutiny on the ECI’s processes as Bihar gears up for a high-stakes election.