- By Chetna Shree
- Wed, 27 May 2026 07:55 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- SC to deliver verdict on Bihar SIR today.
- Petitioners challenge ECI's power for large-scale revision.
- 65 lakh voters omitted; 'NRC-like process' alleged.
Bihar SIR: The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on Wednesday on petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
The petitioners argue that the Election Commission of India (ECI) does not have the powers to conduct SIR on such a large scale under Article 326 of the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the rules made thereafter.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant had reserved its verdict on the pleas on January 29, including the one filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
SIR Of Electoral Rolls In Bihar
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar was conducted in the first phase of the exercise. The Supreme Court commenced final arguments in the matter on August 12 last year, when it observed that the inclusion or exclusion of names in voter lists falls strictly within the constitutional remit of the Election Commission.
Petitioners Allege 'NRC-Like Process' In Bihar SIR
The Election Commission released the names of 65 lakh people omitted from the draft electoral rolls published under SIR. According to the SIR notification, voters whose names did not appear in the 2002 or 2003 rolls were required to show an ancestral linkage to someone registered during that period.
While the petitioners alleged that the revision of the electoral rolls was a 'NRC-like process' aimed at verifying citizenship, a power constitutionally vested in the Central Government, the Election Commission defended the exercise.
The pody said that Aadhaar and voter identity cards cannot be treated as conclusive proof of citizenship.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the ADR, questioned the timeline for completion of the exercise. He also raised serious concerns over the data of 65 lakh voters who were removed from the draft rolls after being categorised as either deceased, migrated, or registered in other constituencies.
(With Inputs From PTI)