The Supreme Court has fixed July 10 as the date for hearing petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. The court will examine the validity and constitutional basis of this process, which can ensure electoral fairness and protection of the rights of all informed voters.
Petitioners and scope
RJD MP Manoj Jha and TMC MP Mahua Moitra have sought quashing of the Election Commission’s June 24 order in separate petitions.
NGO ‘Association of Democratic Reforms’ has also challenged the same (SIR) process on constitutional grounds.
Main arguments
Manoj Jha alleges that such a special intensive revision only a few months before the assembly elections paves the way for inequality and irregularities in electoral processes.
Mahua Moitra says that the June 24 order was issued in “violation of various provisions of the Constitution” and could put the names of “lakhs of eligible voters” at risk of being deleted, which is against the basic spirit of democracy.
Objective of the Election Commission
The Commission has stated the objective of (SIR) to include only correct and eligible voters in the list by “removing ineligible names”.
The June 24 order stated that this step is necessary to “increase the accuracy of the voter list” and “ensure the credibility of the election process”.
Next steps
The Supreme Court will hear both the petitions on July 10.
During this time, the court can comprehensively test the constitutionality of the Election Commission’s (SIR) instructions, transparency of the selection process and possible impact.
Impact
If the court takes the side of the petitioners, then there may be a temporary stay on (SIR) orders across the country.
This controversy ahead of the elections will centre on the credibility of the voter list, the jurisdiction of the Election Commission and arguments among political parties.