The Election Commission of India (EC) has revealed substantial discrepancies in Bihar’s voter list, as a result of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. According to the EC, the review has flagged approximately 18 lakh deceased voters, 26 lakh individuals who have moved to other constituencies, and around 7 lakh voters with multiple registrations.
These findings emerge as the Supreme Court and opposition parties express concerns regarding the SIR process. The EC has justified the SIR exercise, citing its aim to cleanse the electoral process and remove ineligible voters from the rolls.
The Commission, in its affidavit, stated that the SIR process is designed to guarantee election transparency by excluding those who do not meet the eligibility standards for voting. The right to vote is granted based on citizenship, age, and residency, as per Article 326 of the Constitution and the relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act. The EC asserts that those who are ineligible to vote cannot claim that their rights under Articles 19 and 21 have been violated.
The EC also confirmed that documents such as Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are being employed for identity verification during the SIR process.
The Election Commission’s statements were in response to a petition challenging the June 24 order. This order mandated the commencement of SIR in Bihar, with potential for nationwide implementation later.
Furthermore, the EC has clarified that providing Aadhaar numbers in nomination forms is entirely optional and serves solely for identity verification, as per Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
The Supreme Court directed on July 10 that Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards should be accepted as valid identity proofs during the SIR process in Bihar. The state is preparing for assembly elections later this year. The next court hearing is set for July 28.