New Delhi, July 10, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday raised “serious doubts” over the State Election Commission of Bihar’s recent ‘special revision’ of the voter list, calling it “procedurally questionable” and potentially undermining electoral integrity ahead of the upcoming local body polls.
What’s the Issue?
In an ongoing petition filed by opposition leaders and civil society groups, the court was informed that the Bihar Election Commission had conducted a selective revision of the electoral roll, bypassing mandatory public notice periods, and allegedly targeting certain voter groups under the guise of “data validation.”
The revision, conducted over just two weeks, reportedly led to the removal of thousands of voters, especially in minority and SC/ST-dominated constituencies.
Supreme Court’s Remarks
A three-judge bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, stated:
“We have serious doubts about the legality and transparency of such a special revision done in haste. Voter list revision cannot be arbitrary or discriminatory.”
The court asked the Bihar State Election Commission to submit a detailed affidavit by next week, explaining:
- The legal basis for the special revision.
- The criteria used to include or exclude names.
- Whether public objections were invited before finalizing the updated list.
The bench warned that if proper procedures weren’t followed, it may consider staying the notification of the updated list.
Political Reactions: Sparks Fly in Bihar
Opposition parties, including the RJD, Congress, and Left, have accused the ruling NDA coalition in Bihar of engineering a “backdoor voter purge” aimed at weakening their voter base.
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said:
“This is an attack on democracy. How can thousands of names vanish from the list without any public hearing?”
The Bihar State Election Commission, however, has defended the revision, calling it a routine exercise to “update inaccuracies, prevent duplication, and validate residential status.”
Legal & Electoral Experts Alarmed
Legal observers warn that such revisions must follow the guidelines laid out by the Representation of the People Act and the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan said:
“Any action that selectively disenfranchises citizens without due process is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s intervention is timely.”
What’s at Stake?
Bihar is scheduled to hold municipal and panchayat elections later this year. An altered voter list could significantly impact local results, which in turn often reflect grassroots-level political trends ahead of national elections.
Next Hearing & What Lies Ahead
The Supreme Court has listed the matter for final hearing next week, where it will decide whether the revision stands, or if a fresh, transparent revision must be ordered.
For now, the apex court has not stayed the upcoming elections, but warned that any violation of constitutional voting rights “will not be tolerated.”
Stay tuned to Bharat Global Time (BGT) for court updates, political responses, and what this means for Bihar’s fragile democratic ecosystem.
