The Supreme Court has mandated that individuals omitted from Bihar’s draft electoral roll under the Special Intensive Revision may now submit their applications online using either any of the eleven documents listed by the Election Commission or an Aadhaar card.
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, refused to extend the September 1 timeline for objections but left open the possibility for the Election Commission to consider extensions if the volume of submissions proved overwhelming.
The Court voiced concern over the lack of political engagement in safeguarding voters’ interests, noting that out of 1.6 lakh booth-level agents deployed across political parties, only two objections had been filed. This prompted a sharp rebuke from the bench, which urged parties to mobilise actively at the grassroots.
A comprehensive approach to accessibility was underscored by the ruling: forms may be submitted online or physically, and no specific form of document is mandated—Aadhaar or any of the 11 specified documents are acceptable. When physical submissions occur, booth-level officers must issue acknowledgement receipts.
The Court mandated the Election Commission to notify all twelve recognised political parties of their duty to instruct their agents to assist those omitted from the rolls in submitting claims. It also directed these parties to file status reports on how many claim forms they have facilitated, ahead of the next hearing on 8 September.
Election Commission counsel Rakesh Dwivedi assured the Court that around 85,000 claim forms have already been submitted by newly registered voters, and over two lakh new voters have joined the rolls under SIR. He urged the bench to allow more time to demonstrate that no legitimate voter would be excluded.
The backdrop: On 14 August, the Court directed the Election Commission to publish an online, searchable list of approximately 65 lakh names removed from the draft rolls, along with reasons for each omission—such as death, duplication, or migration. The EC complied and displayed the list both online and at polling-booth and administrative offices.
The ruling positions Aadhaar—widely held and digitally verifiable—as a useful alternative to the more obscure documents initially mandated under SIR, helping more voters reclaim their electoral rights. It also places political parties under scrutiny, reminding them of their responsibility in facilitating inclusive and fair electoral access.
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