Special Intensive Revision
process conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process conducted by the Election Commission of India in Bihar
What is the SIR?
It is a door-to-door, full enumeration of eligible voters, combining intensive and special revision techniques under Section 21 of the Representation of People Act and Article 324 of the Constitution
Bihar’s last full-scale revision was in 2003, making this the first such effort in 22 years
Objectives of the SIR
1.Include all eligible citizens & newly-eligible young adults.
2.Remove ineligible individuals, including deceased, relocated persons, duplicates, and potentially foreign nationals
3. Ensure accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls ahead of the assembly elections
How It’s Implemented
Enumeration Forms (EFs) are pre-filled based on existing rolls and distributed to all voters via Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) during house-to-house visits
Voters submit forms either physically or online via ECINET – along with proof of birth and citizenship
Political party agents (BLAs) are involved to monitor and assist transparency
Draft and final rolls will be published online for claims and objections, followed by appeals to the DM and CEO
Key Timelines & Status
- Qualifying Date: 1 July 202
- Launch: 24 June 2025.
- Form Submission Window: till 25 July 2025.
- Participation: ~74% submitted forms by July 12.
Constitutional & Legal Concerns
The ECI’s authority to conduct a conflated ‘special intensive revision’ is being challenged, as such a term isn’t directly provided within the Act or Rules
Critics argue that stringent document requirements (excluding Aadhaar, EPIC, ration cards) and tight timelines risk disenfranchlement, particularly among migrants, the poor, and illiterate
A PIL filed by civil society groups alleges violations of Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, 326 and procedural fairness
The Supreme Court, on July 10, declined to stay the exercise but advised the ECI to consider including Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration card as valid proofs
Operational & Political Dynamics
A nine-member ECI team reviewed the drive in Patna, focusing on polling-station reorganization for better access
BLOs suspended for misinformation in Begusarai, and reports have surfaced about foreign nationals from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar being identified during the exercise
Opposition parties (INDIA Bloc, RJD, Congress) allege that the SIR is a tool for politically motivated disenfranchisement, staging protests and legal challenges
The Central Debate
Opponents:Contend it’s poorly timed, legally unprecedented, burdensome, discriminatory, and risks mass voter exclusion.
Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s next hearing on July 28 will determine if the SIR is constitutional or if reforms (e.g., acceptance of more documents) are needed.
The final electoral roll is expected by 30 September 2025.
This SIR initiative in Bihar represents a high-stakes intersection of electoral management, legal safeguards, citizen rights, and political contestation