The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent directive to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar. The organisation has raised concerns over what it terms an “arbitrary” order that could lead to the disenfranchisement of millions of voters in the state.
According to reports, the Supreme Court has taken up the matter, as ADR alleges that the ECI’s move may result in a “mass disenfranchisement,” potentially stripping large sections of the electorate of their right to vote ahead of the upcoming Bihar elections.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have already completed their first visit to nearly 1.5 crore households in Bihar. The ECI reported that over 87% of Enumeration Forms – 6,86,17,932 out of a total of 7,89,69,844 electors as of June 24 – have been distributed so far.
Officials clarified that the remaining households could be either locked, belong to deceased electors, or be homes of migrants or those currently travelling. The BLOs are scheduled to visit each household three times during the process to ensure maximum coverage.
The forms can also be downloaded from the ECI portal or accessed via the ECINET App, allowing electors to upload filled forms directly. Moreover, 1,54,977 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties are actively supporting the exercise.
Political party participation includes 52,689 BLAs from the BJP, 47,504 from RJD, 34,669 from JD(U), and 16,500 from INC.
The INDIA bloc has accused the government of engaging in “Votebandi,” claiming that the move undermines democratic principles and targets specific voter groups.