Court Questions Bihar Political Parties on Lack of Support for Over 65 Lakh Deleted Voters
The Supreme Court of India ruled on Friday that Aadhaar can be used as valid proof of residence for voters challenging their exclusion from the electoral rolls ahead of Bihar’s upcoming elections later this year. The court instructed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to add Aadhaar to the existing list of 11 accepted documents for voter roll revision.
Key Directives and Deadlines for Voter Re-Inclusion
- The court estimated about 35 lakh voters have been excluded after removing deceased and duplicate entries.
- Justice Surya Kant directed that all documents for re-inclusion must be submitted by September 1.
- The process can be completed online, as confirmed by the bench including Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
- Applications for re-inclusion can be filed using Aadhaar or any of the other 11 documents.
Supreme Court Criticizes Bihar Political Parties for Inaction
The court expressed strong dissatisfaction with Bihar’s political parties, many of which have opposed the voter roll revision claiming it disenfranchises their voter base.
- The court asked, “What are your BLAs (booth-level agents) doing?“
- Only two objections to voter deletions have come from over 1.6 lakh BLAs representing political parties.
- Political parties have largely failed to assist deleted voters in regaining their names on the electoral roll.
- The court stressed that acknowledgment receipts must be provided when objections are submitted to prevent officials from ignoring BLA objections.
Election Commission Updates on Voter Participation
- The ECI noted that BLAs can file up to 10 enumeration forms per day on behalf of excluded voters.
- More objections have been submitted by individual voters than by political parties.
- Around 85,000 excluded voters have applied for re-inclusion.
- Over 2 lakh new voters have registered during the revision process.
- No political party has submitted formal written objections regarding the roll revisions.
Court’s Next Steps and Political Reactions
- The Supreme Court has impleaded political parties in the case and scheduled the next hearing for September 8.
- Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the Election Commission, requested an additional 15 days to prove there were no wrongful exclusions.
- The court urged the public and parties to repose faith in the Election Commission while investigations continue.
Why This Matters
- Bihar’s voter roll revision is critical ahead of the state’s high-stakes elections.
- Inclusion or exclusion of millions of voters can influence electoral outcomes.
- Aadhaar’s acceptance as valid proof simplifies the process for voters challenging deletions.
The Supreme Court’s decision to include Aadhaar as valid proof for voter roll revision aims to ensure fair participation in Bihar’s elections. However, the court’s strong rebuke of political parties highlights the urgent need for active support to restore the voting rights of millions. As the September deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively the Election Commission and political stakeholders respond to safeguard democratic inclusion.
Also Read : Supreme Court Tells Election Commission to Publish Deleted Voter Names in Bihar
