New Delhi, July 8, 2025 — The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an interim stay on the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, allowing the process to continue despite mounting concerns from opposition leaders and civil society groups.
A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi heard a batch of petitions challenging the legality and timing of the large-scale voter verification exercise. The apex court acknowledged the gravity of the matter but declined to halt the process, instead listing the case for detailed hearing on July 10.
Concerns Over Disenfranchisement
The petitioners—including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, Swaraj India’s Yogendra Yadav, and organizations like the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL)—warned that the ongoing revision exercise could disenfranchise millions, particularly among marginalized communities, including the poor, migrant laborers, Scheduled Castes and Tribes, women, and persons with disabilities.
They argued that the process is being carried out in an exclusionary manner, with inadequate time, limited outreach, and excessive documentation requirements. The petitioners also highlighted that common identity proofs such as Aadhaar and ration cards were being rejected by enumerators, further endangering voters’ rights.
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, and Shadan Farasat represented the petitioners, describing the SIR as an “unprecedented” exercise targeting over four crore voters in a short window before the upcoming Assembly elections.
Election Commission Defends the Process
The ECI, in its response, defended the revision, citing the need to remove duplicate, deceased, or shifting voters, especially in light of Bihar’s significant urban migration and demographic changes. Officials stated that the SIR is not only legal but necessary to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the voter list.
According to the ECI, around 2.88 crore voters—roughly 36% of Bihar’s electorate—have submitted the required forms as of July 7. The Commission clarified that while the deadline to submit forms is July 25, supporting documents can still be provided during the claims and objections period from August 1 to September 1.
In a statement, the Commission urged the public not to be misled by what it called “misinformation” and reaffirmed that no voter would be removed without due process.
Supreme Court’s Position
While the court declined immediate intervention, it expressed intent to thoroughly examine the constitutional validity of the ongoing process. Justice Dhulia stated, “We are not granting a stay at this moment, but the matter requires close scrutiny.” The justices asked the Election Commission to be present during the next hearing with all relevant records and procedural safeguards.
Political Ramifications
The timing of the SIR—months ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections—has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who claim it may be a ploy to manipulate electoral outcomes by selectively removing voters unfavorable to the ruling alliance.
RJD MP Manoj Jha called the process “a state-sponsored disenfranchisement campaign” and appealed to the Supreme Court for urgent relief. Meanwhile, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge warned of “massive voter suppression” if the exercise continues unchecked.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court’s scheduled hearing on July 10 will be crucial in determining the future of the revision exercise. A possible stay or directive could alter the timeline or methodology of the roll revision, potentially impacting the conduct of the 2025 Bihar elections.
