The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed that free legal aid and assistance be provided to all individuals whose names were excluded from Bihar’s final voter list following the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The court ordered that each of the 3.7 lakh affected individuals must have access to legal counsel and para-legal volunteers to help file appeals against their exclusion.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi heard petitions challenging the ECI’s June 24 directive ordering the SIR. Petitioners argued the revision allowed arbitrary deletions without adequate safeguards, risking disenfranchisement of citizens and undermining free and fair elections.
The ECI defended the exercise, stating it is legally empowered to ensure only eligible citizens are on the rolls before the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls.
During proceedings, the court noted confusion over whether newly added voters were previously deleted individuals or first-time enrollees. The bench emphasised the importance of ensuring the right to appeal regardless of other disputes.
As an interim measure, the court directed the Bihar Legal Services Authority to deploy para-legal volunteers in each district to assist excluded voters in filing appeals before the October 17 roll freeze. BLOs (Booth Level Officers) were also asked to collect information on excluded persons. A status report must be submitted to the court within a week.
The court’s directions also extend to those whose names were not included in the draft roll, highlighting the need for robust voter access and protection of electoral rights.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for October 16, 2025.
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