New Delhi: A political and legal battle is going on on the Special Intensive Amendment (SIR) of the Election Commission of electoral rolls in Bihar. What was intended as a technical exercise to improve the accuracy of voter lists, both Parliament and Supreme Court have increased in a flashpoint, the opposition parties accused of disintegration and voter fraud, while the pole body stressed that there is a necessary step to maintain electoral integrity.The Supreme Court is ready to listen to the petition challenging the special intensive amendment (SIR) of the election role in Bihar, as the opposition has intensified its attack on the government on practice. Under the leadership of the Congress, opposition parties have accused the Center of using the amendment process to target voters a few months before the state elections. Sir over Sir has also gained fresh momentum in Parliament, as well as protesting the House’s proceedings in the last week.
There is a dispute explained in 10 points:
What is special intensive amendment (sir)?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) started a special intensive amendment (SIR) in Bihar on 24 June. According to the Center, the objective was to update and clean the electoral rolls through the house-to-house verification by the booth level officials (BLOS). Such a final exercise in the state was held in 2003. Going through rapid urbanization, youth enrollment and internal migration with Bihar, ECI stated that amendment was important to ensure accurate rolls before the state elections.
Why Sir became a flashpoint in Parliament
While the monsoon session was scheduled to debate Operation Sindoor, Sir Exercise quickly became a parallel point of dispute. India Block MPs have submitted several notices demanding a discussion on the matter, alleging that SIR was being used to remove real voters from the role. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that Operation Sindoor debate would take priority, pave the head-related discussions to the latter date-a decision that attracted strong reactions from the opposition.
Steps in Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of arguments challenging Sir. The petitioners argue that the practice lacks legal safety measures and risks to disintegrate large swaths of the population. The major petitioner, the NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) claimed that the practice is “arbitrary” and violates Articles 14, 19 and 21 of 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The court has also questioned the Aadhaar and boycott of ration cards as a valid ID for voter verification.
Large scale participation or large -scale fraud?
According to the EC, Sir participated in Bihar for Rs 7.89 crore worth more than 7.24 crores, which was about 92%voting rate. However, several affidavits and field reports challenge the figure, suggesting that the enametions forms were uploaded by Bloos without voter consent. The ADR and other petitioners claimed that even the forms presented were shown to the dead, which increased the concerns of systemic fraud to meet internal goals.
35 lakh voters unaware
In its latest press note on 27 July, the Election Commission clarified the status of 35 lakh voters, which will be cleared after the disappearance. According to the ECI, many people had moved to other states or center areas, some were dead, others did not submit their calculations, and some were not ready to register. The Commission emphasized that their exact situation would be confirmed only after investigation by Eros and Eros by 1 August. Importantly, all real voters can still be added during the claims and objections starting on 1 August.
Online, SMS and volunteer outreach used to reach every voter
More than 5.7 million SMS were sent to the registered mobile number, 29 million forms were presented digitally, and Bloos visited several homes. Volunteers assisted senior citizens, PWD and weak groups to reach the form and file the appeal, providing training for the prevention mechanism.
The window of claim and objection opens on 1 August
The EC has said that “order to speak” and no name will be removed without proper notice. The draft roll will be published on 1 August, and voters or parties can register claims or objections by 1 September. If needed, an appeal can be made to the District Magistrate or CEO.
EC says all major political parties consulted
In a detailed affidavit for the Supreme Court, ECI defended SIR to remove disqualified voters and ensure independent and fair elections. Citing Article 326 and the provisions of representation of people, the Commission insisted that it was fulfilling its constitutional duties. The EC also claimed that all major political parties were consulted and more than 1.5 lakh booth level agents were deployed. However, ADR said that no political party had asked for a complete overhaul.
From Bihar to Nation: A wider head tax
In its instructions of 24 June, the ECI announced that SIR would eventually be held nationwide. With 96.88 crore voters in India, even a small error rate can affect millions. ANI said that findings in Bihar have raised concerns about systemic issues that may emerge in other states, especially where similar migration patterns exist. The draft electoral roll will be published on 1 August, in which a window for objections will be open by 1 September.
Concern about fixed process and transparency
Critics say that the head is being held in a way that violates procedural fairness. ADR’s affidavit in the court alleged that the forms were submitted by Blossy without physical verification, and that there were no appropriate channels for prevention. The EC has argued that an appeal can be made under Section 24 of the RP Act, but the complainants say that awareness and access are limited. With conflicting stories and high stories, Sir has now developed a national dispute with bureaucracy practice.(With input from agencies)
