📢 Bihar SIR: Supreme Court Seeks ECI Reply on Deletion of 65 Lakh Names from Electoral Roll
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| Image source: Deecan Chronicle |
🖊️ Written by: Mohammed Usman A
New Delhi, August 7, 2025 — In a significant development that has sparked widespread concern, the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday sought a detailed explanation from the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the alleged deletion of over 65 lakh names from the electoral rolls in Bihar.
The apex court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) that raised serious questions over the transparency and legality of such a massive voter deletion. The petitioners argued that the removal of such a large number of names could potentially disrupt the democratic process and violate the fundamental rights of the affected individuals.
The bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, issued notice to the ECI and the Bihar State Election Commission, directing them to file a comprehensive affidavit explaining the reasons, methods, and legal justification behind the removal of names.
> “Electoral rolls are the backbone of a fair democratic process. Such large-scale deletions warrant an immediate and credible explanation,” the Court observed.
According to reports, the deletions were reportedly carried out as part of a "cleansing drive" to remove duplicate, deceased, or shifted voters. However, the petition alleges that genuine voters were also removed without proper verification or public notification.
Political parties across the spectrum have reacted sharply. While the opposition parties have demanded a rollback and a re-verification, ruling party leaders in Bihar have maintained that the process was in accordance with ECI guidelines.
The next hearing has been scheduled for later this month, by which time the ECI is expected to submit its detailed response.
The case is being closely watched, especially with upcoming state and general elections, where voter turnout and fairness of rolls will be critical.
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🖊️ Written by: Mohammed
Usman A
📍 For muhsnews
