5 Things the Election Commission Told Supreme Court on Bihar’s Draft Electoral Roll

In an additional affidavit before the Supreme Court in the Association for Democratic Reforms & Ors. v. Election Commission of India case, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has detailed measures taken to ensure no eligible voter is left out of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The affidavit, filed on August 9, 2025, outlines the first stage of the SIR, the role of political parties, and safeguards against wrongful deletions. It also annexes press notes, advertisements, and records of meetings between Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

Here are five key points the ECI has put on record before the apex court:

1. Lists of Missing Form Submitters Shared with Political Parties

The ECI told the Supreme Court that after BLOs conducted house-to-house visits to collect enumeration forms from existing electors, it identified individuals whose forms were not received.

By July 20, 2025, these booth-level lists were shared with the BLAs of recognised political parties. The idea was to allow political parties to verify and, where needed, take corrective steps to ensure names were included in the draft roll.

Updated lists were later circulated after observing “proactive efforts” from the parties. The Commission also placed a sample of 10 booth-level meeting proceedings on record, showing lists being shared and follow-up discussions taking place.

2. Large-Scale Mobilisation of Officials and Volunteers

The affidavit notes that out of Bihar’s 7.89 crore electors, over 7.24 crore submitted their enumeration forms during this phase.

This was made possible through the combined effort of:

• Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar

• 38 District Election Officers

• 243 Electoral Registration Officers

• 2,976 Assistant EROs

• 77,895 BLOs

• 2,45,716 volunteers

• 1,60,813 BLAs from all major political parties

The Commission said these figures reflect an “active involvement of political parties” alongside election staff to maximise coverage.

3. Targeted Inclusion Measures for Vulnerable and Mobile Populations

The ECI listed specific outreach and facilitation efforts, including:

• Migrant Workers: Advertisements in Hindi across 246 newspapers, coupled with instructions to all State/UT CEOs to facilitate form submissions from outside Bihar.

• Urban Voters: Special camps held in all 261 urban local bodies.

• Young Voters: Advance applications invited for those turning 18 by October 1, 2025, with special campaigns planned during the claims and objections period.

• Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities, Vulnerable Groups: About 2.5 lakh volunteers — many being Bihar government officers — deployed to help with documentation and form submission.

The ECI also said it facilitated document procurement from State departments for electors lacking ID or address proofs, ensuring no one is excluded for want of paperwork.

4. Strict Safeguards Against Wrongful Deletions

The affidavit stresses that no elector’s name will be deleted from the draft roll without:

1. Prior notice specifying proposed deletion and reasons

2. Opportunity to be heard and submit relevant documents

3. Passing of a reasoned, speaking order by the competent authority

These safeguards are backed by a two-tier appeal mechanism under Section 24 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The Commission said “strict directions” have been issued to ensure these procedural protections are followed, preventing arbitrary or politically motivated deletions.

5. Transparency Through Daily Public Bulletins

The ECI has been issuing daily press releases and bulletins during the claims and objections period — from August 1 to September 1, 2025 — to keep the public and political parties informed of:

• Objections and claims received

• Action to be taken by competent authorities

• Deadlines for response and hearing

These bulletins, along with public advertisements, are aimed at ensuring awareness about how to check one’s name in the roll, file claims, and appeal any deletion.

Background of the Case

The affidavit was filed in response to the writ petition by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) challenging the ECI’s handling of the SIR in Bihar. ADR has sought greater transparency and safeguards in the revision process.

The Commission’s filing aims to show that political parties were looped in at an early stage, large-scale field mobilisation took place, and legal safeguards are in place for deletions. Annexures to the affidavit include:

• Records of BLO–BLA meetings

• Press Note dated July 27, 2025

• Advertisements for migrant workers and the general public

• Daily press bulletins

Case Title: Association for Democratic Reforms & Ors. v. Election Commission of India

Case No.: W.P. (C) No. 640 of 2025

Affidavit Filed By: Sanjay Kumar, Deputy Election Commissioner

Filing Date: August 9, 2025