The Supreme Court on Tuesday set a timeline for hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process initiated by the Election Commission in Bihar.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has scheduled the final hearing for August 12 and 13, 2025, on petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process conducted by the Election Commission in Bihar. The court has ordered the petitioners to submit their written arguments by August 8 in this matter.
During the hearing, the bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi clarified that if any irregularities or unconstitutional proceedings are found, the court will give it “serious consideration.”
What is the case?
These petitions have been filed against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign of the voter list in Bihar. The petitioners have alleged that the names of many genuine voters have been removed from the draft voter list scheduled to be published on August 1, which may deprive them of their right to vote. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal and Advocate Prashant Bhushan argued in court that this process is unconstitutional and biased. They said that a large number of citizens are being excluded from the list, even though they are alive and eligible to vote.
Supreme Court's stance: Respect for constitutional bodies is essential
During the hearing, Justice Surya Kant said that the Election Commission is a constitutional body. If there is any irregularity, then present it before us with facts. The bench directed the petitioners to submit a list of 15 people who were removed from the list by being declared dead, but are actually alive. He also said that the court will then consider the reality and seriousness of the matter.
Earlier, in a hearing held on Monday, the court refused to stay the draft voter list. The Court clarified that it will now give a Final Adjudication in this matter. The court also said: Ration cards can be easily forged, but Aadhaar and Voter ID have a legal sanctity. The court directed that the Election Commission should continue to accept Aadhaar cards and Voter ID cards as proof of identity.
The bench also ordered that nodal officers be appointed on behalf of both parties — the petitioner and the Election Commission — who will coordinate the written submissions and documents related to the case. This process must be completed before the final hearing on August 12 and 13.
