Supreme Court asks Election Commission to explain the removal of 3.66 lakh voters from Bihar’s electoral rolls after revision, emphasizing transparency ahead of state elections.

The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to clarify why 3.66 lakh voters were removed from Bihar’s final electoral roll after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, noted inconsistencies between the draft and final lists and sought details by October 9.

The top court pointed out that while 21.53 lakh new names were added, 3.66 lakh were excluded, leaving a net gain of 17.87 lakh voters. Petitioners, including leaders from opposition parties, alleged that several deletions occurred without notice or justification. The ECI, however, maintained that most additions were new voters and that no formal objections had been filed by those excluded.

During the hearing, the bench stressed the need for greater transparency and data comparison between the draft and final rolls, especially since deletions can directly affect citizens’ right to vote. The matter will be reviewed again on October 9.

Analysis:
The case raises broader questions about voter rights and procedural accountability in India’s electoral system. With Bihar heading for assembly elections in November, the outcome of this issue could shape how voter roll revisions are conducted across the country. Citizens should proactively verify their voter registration online to avoid last-minute surprises during elections.