SC questions timing of voter roll revision in Bihar, asks ECI to consider key ID documents

The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to stay the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar but raised concerns over its timing, coming just months before the state’s Assembly elections. While the revision process will continue, the apex court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take into consideration widely used identification documents such as Aadhaar, Voter ID (EPIC), and ration cards during the verification process.

Also Read: Bihar approves historic 35% reservation for women in government jobs

The court was hearing multiple petitions that challenged the ECI’s move, particularly the exclusion of Aadhaar and voter ID from the list of 11 indicative documents deemed acceptable during the exercise. The bench, however, clarified that the list issued by the ECI was not exhaustive and that additional documents should be permitted in the interest of fair and inclusive verification.

The Supreme Court emphasized that although it was not halting the process, the matter required detailed examination and listed the case for further hearing on July 28. The ECI has been asked to submit its counter-affidavit by July 21, explaining its position on document verification criteria.

The court added that if the ECI chooses not to accept certain documents, it must provide a valid justification for doing so.