The Supreme Court of India on November 7, 2025, urgently listed detailed arguments on November 11 addressing the legality of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The SIR, notified on June 24, 2025, required all voters to fill fresh forms for inclusion in the electoral roll, with those whose names were not in the 2003 voter lists needing additional documentary proof — the first such intensive revision in Bihar since 2003. Petitions filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (WP Civil 640/2025) and others challenged the exercise as arbitrary and potentially disenfranchising millions. The Court had previously allowed the ECI to continue the SIR but directed acceptance of Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards as valid documents. Critics argue the SIR disproportionately affects migrants and marginalised communities, while the ECI maintains it is essential for electoral roll integrity.
Supreme Court Lists Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Electoral Roll Challenge for Detailed Hearing on November 11
The Supreme Court of India on November 7, 2025, urgently listed detailed arguments on November 11 addressing the legality of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The SIR, notified on June 24, 2025, required all voters to fill fresh forms for inclusion in the electoral roll, with those whose names were not in the 2003 voter lists needing additional documentary proof — the first such intensive revision in Bihar since 2003. Petitions filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (WP Civil 640/2025) and others challenged the exercise as arbitrary and potentially disenfranchising millions. The Court had previously allowed the ECI to continue the SIR but directed acceptance of Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards, and ration cards as valid documents. Critics argue the SIR disproportionately affects migrants and marginalised communities, while the ECI maintains it is essential for electoral roll integrity.
Key facts
- Supreme Court listed Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral roll challenge for November 11 hearing.
- SIR notified on June 24, 2025 required all voters to fill fresh forms for electoral roll inclusion.
- Association for Democratic Reforms challenged SIR as arbitrary and potentially disenfranchising millions.
- Court allowed ECI to continue SIR but directed accepting Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards.
- Critics argued SIR disproportionately affects migrants and marginalised communities in Bihar.
- This was the first intensive electoral revision in Bihar since 2003.
PYQPrelims/PYQ angle
- RAS 2023 What is the main function of State Election Commission? — Functions of State Election Commission — directly tied to electoral roll governance.
- RAS 2021 What is the role of Election Commission in Article 103 of the Constitution of India? — Role of Election Commission under Article 103 — relevant to ECI's SIR powers.
Mains angle
Question: Examine the constitutional issues raised by the ECI's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls and the Supreme Court's intervention.
Answer (50 words): Notified June 24, 2025, ECI's SIR required fresh forms from all Bihar voters; those absent from 2003 rolls needed extra documents. The Supreme Court on November 7, 2025 listed detailed hearing for November 11, accepting Aadhaar, voter ID and ration card. Petitioners alleged arbitrary disenfranchisement of migrants and marginalised communities.
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Which Election Commission of India exercise relating to electoral rolls in Bihar was challenged in the Supreme Court hearing listed for November 11, 2025?
The Supreme Court listed the legality of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise — notified on June 24, 2025 by ECI for Bihar electoral rolls — for detailed hearing on November 11, 2025.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and why was it challenged in the Supreme Court?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR), notified by the Election Commission of India on June 24, 2025 ahead of Bihar Assembly elections, required all voters to fill fresh forms for electoral roll inclusion. It was challenged by the Association for Democratic Reforms (WP Civil 640/2025) on the grounds that it was arbitrary and could disenfranchise millions, particularly migrants and marginalised communities.
What documents did the Supreme Court direct the ECI to accept during the Bihar SIR exercise?
While allowing the ECI to continue the SIR, the Supreme Court directed it to accept Aadhaar cards, voter identity cards, and ration cards as valid proof for inclusion in the electoral rolls.
When was the last Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls conducted in Bihar before 2025?
The 2025 SIR was the first intensive electoral roll revision in Bihar since 2003, making it a significant exercise after over two decades.
What is the role of the Election Commission of India in conducting electoral roll revisions?
The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body under Article 324, is responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of elections including periodic revisions of electoral rolls to ensure accurate voter registration before elections.
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