Election Commission Of India vs INDIA Alliance Over Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls
Image Source: The Hindu
The enormity of the task, the short duration, and the strict criteria for verification could result in the wrongful exclusion of lakhs of voters, was one of the main concerns of the opposition. While on the other hand, the ECI’s statement that only ordinary residents would qualify for inclusion in the electoral roll has raised concerns, particularly among Opposition parties. Critics argue that it would be difficult for migrant voters, who are estimated to be 20% of Bihar’s voting population, to be present for verification during the window that ends on July 31.
To understand the recently concluded phase one of the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls, it is important to trace its roots, which come directly from the Constitution of India.
Electoral rolls are prepared by the Election Commission as per the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Section 16 of the RP Act disqualifies anyone who is not a citizen from being a part of the electoral rolls. Section 21 of the RP Act deals with the preparation and revision of electoral rolls; it authorizes the Election Commission to carry out SIR at any time for the reasons to be recorded.
Article 324 of the Constitution provides for the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls for the conduct of elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
Non-acceptance of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration card as proof of citizenship has received much criticism. Instead, documents like passports, matriculation certificates, and property papers were asked to be submitted, due to which the Supreme Court had to intervene, issuing a notice to the Election Commission of India to consider Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration card also as proof, as only 87 percent of Bihar’s population has Aadhaar, with only 2 percent having passports and 40 percent being matriculates.
The recently concluded first phase of the revisions shows around 67 lakh missing voters as compared to the previous electoral rolls.
Team Profile
- Sub Editor
- Himanshu Yadav holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi and is currently pursuing his master's in the same field from the same institution. He hails from Lucknow and is well-equipped in the field of political journalism.
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