Context:
India’s electoral system is widely praised for enabling high participation by the poor and marginalised, unlike many Western democracies. However, the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent move to conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the October 2025 Assembly elections has sparked concerns about voter exclusion due to procedural and documentary barriers.
What is Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive, door-to-door verification of houses process to update and verify electoral rolls.
Constitutional Provisions
- Article 326 of the Constitution:
- Eligibility: Indian citizen, ≥18 years, not disqualified under any law, and ordinarily resident in the constituency.
- Article 324: Empowers ECI to supervise and conduct elections.
- Section 21 of RP Act, 1950: Allows revision of electoral rolls.
- Section 16 of RP Act, 1950: Specifies disqualifications for registration.
- Section 23 & 24 of RP Act, 1950:
- Section 23: Verification of documents for eligibility
- Section 24: Appeal provision to District Magistrate and CEO
Why SIR in Bihar?
- Last intensive revision: 2003 (with 01.01.2003 as qualifying date)
- New Qualifying Date: 01.07.2025
- Reasons for SIR:
- Rapid urbanisation and migration
- Rise in eligible youth voters
- Underreporting of deaths
- Risk of inclusion of foreign/illegal voters
- Objective: Ensure accuracy, integrity, and transparency of electoral rolls
Objective of SIR
- Ensure transparency, inclusivity, and accuracy in electoral rolls.
- Facilitate registration of:
- Elderly
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
- Poor and vulnerable populations
- Reinforce voter integrity and trust in the electoral process.
