The Election Commission of India (ECI) has assured the Supreme Court that no voter’s name will be deleted from Bihar’s draft electoral roll, published on August 1 as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), without prior notice, an opportunity to be heard, and a formal order by the competent authority.
In a fresh affidavit responding to an application by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), which sought details of approximately 65 lakh names deleted from the draft roll, the poll body emphasised its adherence to the principles of natural justice.
“As a matter of policy and in strict adherence to the principles of natural justice, no deletion of any elector’s name… shall be undertaken without issuance of prior notice indicating the proposed deletion and the grounds thereof, affording a reasonable opportunity of being heard, furnishing relevant documents, and passing of a reasoned and speaking order,” the ECI stated.
The Commission said it had taken “every possible step” to ensure no eligible voter is excluded. It also pointed to a two-tier appeal mechanism that allows voters to challenge any adverse action, adding that even those without requisite documents will be assisted in obtaining them.
According to the affidavit, out of Bihar’s 7.89 crore registered electors, over 7.24 crore submitted their enumeration forms during the exercise. The ECI said printed and digital copies of the draft roll have been shared with political parties, while the public can access it online during the scrutiny period from August 1 to September 1.
The affidavit also detailed measures to boost voter participation, including extensive awareness campaigns, multiple visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and targeted outreach to communities.
Addressing ADR’s demand for a separate list of excluded voters, the Commission said existing regulations do not require such a list to be published or reasons for exclusion to be stated in the draft roll. However, it clarified that any voter whose name is missing can apply for inclusion.
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