Supreme Court Orders EC to Publish Details of 65 Lakh Deleted Bihar Voters
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to publish a detailed list of the 65 lakh voters whose names were deleted during the recent special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The court ordered that the list, along with specific reasons for each deletion (such as death or migration), be displayed publicly at panchayat and district offices. The move aims to enhance transparency in the electoral process amid challenges from opposition parties against the revision drive.
Unpacked:
The deletions were made for reasons such as death, migration, or duplication. The Election Commission stated that about 22 lakh of the deleted names were due to death, while others were removed for reasons including moving away or administrative errors.
Individuals whose names were wrongly deleted can submit claims for reinstatement, providing proof such as their Aadhaar card. The Supreme Court specifically directed that those affected can seek rectification through this process.
The Supreme Court aimed to enhance transparency and allow affected voters to verify their status and seek correction. The order addresses concerns about large-scale deletions and ensures citizens’ rights are not dependent on political parties.
Opposition parties and petitioners have challenged the SIR process, alleging arbitrariness and lack of transparency. The Supreme Court’s intervention reflects concerns over potential disenfranchisement and the need for procedural fairness in electoral roll management.