Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: ADR Approaches Supreme Court Over Revision Of Electoral Data

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Election Commission of India's (ECI) directive for a 'Special Intensive Revision' of electoral rolls in Bihar. The NGO claims this exercise is unconstitutional and could disenfranchise millions of voters due to its lack of due process and an unreasonably short timeline.

According to ADR, Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 permits the ECI to order a special revision of electoral rolls "for reasons to be recorded." However, they argue that the directive for Bihar lacks documented reasons supported by evidence, making it arbitrary and subject to being overturned.

Concerns Over Documentation Requirements

The petition filed by ADR highlights that the June 24 order from the EC shifts the responsibility for being on the voters' list from the state to citizens. It excludes identification documents like Aadhaar or ration cards, which could make marginalised communities more vulnerable to exclusion from voting.

The NGO further contends that Bihar's high poverty and migration rates mean many residents lack access to necessary documents such as birth certificates or parental records. This situation could potentially exclude over three crore voters, particularly those from marginalised communities like SCs, STs, and migrant workers.

Timeline and Proximity to Elections

ADR argues that the ECI has set an unreasonable timeline for conducting SIR in Bihar, especially given its proximity to state elections scheduled for November 2025. Many citizens may not possess or be able to procure the required documents within this short timeframe.

The petition also points out that a Special Summary Revision (SSR) was already conducted between October 29, 2024, and January 6, 2025. This addressed issues like migration and ineligible voters due to death or other reasons. Therefore, there seems no need for such a drastic exercise in a poll-bound state so soon.

Impact on Voter Rights

The ADR warns that if not set aside, the SIR order dated June 24 could arbitrarily disenfranchise lakhs of voters. This would disrupt free and fair elections and democracy in India, which are integral parts of the Constitution's basic structure.

The NGO emphasises that current reports from Bihar indicate many villagers and marginalised community members do not have the documents being requested. This further supports their claim that genuine voters might be removed from electoral rolls due to stringent requirements.