The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear pleas tomorrow against the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. This revision exercise has faced challenges from various NGOs, MPs, and activists, who argue that it could disenfranchise a large number of voters and violates the principles of free and fair elections.

The SIR, initiated in June 2025 just months before the Bihar assembly elections, mandates that every voter not listed in the 2025 electoral rolls must submit documents indicating their date and place of birth to establish citizenship. Furthermore, those born after 1987 are required to furnish documents of their parents' date and place of birth. A draft electoral roll published on August 1, 2025, revealed a sharp decline in the number of voters, with nearly 65 lakh names struck off.

The petitioners have raised concerns about the "hasty" implementation of the SIR and allege that the ECI has failed to observe the basic principles of natural justice. They also question the enumeration form used in the SIR, arguing that it has "no basis in law" and that voters are being removed without due process.

In response to these concerns, the Supreme Court has been actively involved in the matter. In a previous hearing, the Court directed the ECI to publish a district-wise list of the approximately 65 lakh voters omitted from the draft electoral roll, specifying the reasons for deletion in each case, such as death, permanent migration, or double registration. The list, searchable by EPIC number, was to be published on the websites of Bihar's Chief Electoral Officer and all District Electoral Officers.

The Supreme Court has also addressed the contentious debate over whether Aadhaar can serve as valid proof of identity and residence in the electoral process. The Court clarified that voters could utilize their Aadhaar card to support their claims and objections during the revision exercise. While the ECI initially expressed reservations about including Aadhaar, the Court emphasized that if Aadhaar is provided with the enumeration form, it should be considered. The Court also noted that the ECI's move to expand the list of documents acceptable as proof of citizenship from seven to eleven makes the process more voter-friendly.

Recently, the Supreme Court heard a plea seeking an extension of the deadline for voters to file statements and objections for the SIR, which was September 1, 2025. The ECI argued against extending the deadline, stating that it would disrupt the ECI's timeline. The ECI submitted that they would conclude the verification exercise on September 25 and the roll would be finalised on September 30.

The Supreme Court has directed the Bihar State Legal Service Authority to depute para legal volunteers (PLVs) to assist voters and political parties in submitting claims, objections, and corrections. These PLVs will then submit a confidential report to the District and Sessions Judge, who chairs the District Legal Services Authority, for further consideration.

The court will continue to hear the case on September 8, 2025.