THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, July 7: The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for July 10 to examine multiple petitions challenging the Election Commission’s recent directive to carry out a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar—a move that has triggered concern among political leaders, civil society groups, and rights activists.
The poll panel’s June 24 order, which aims to update Bihar’s voter list by removing ineligible entries and including eligible citizens, has drawn criticism for its timing ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
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The last such comprehensive revision in the state was carried out more than two decades ago, in 2003.
Among those contesting the EC’s decision are prominent opposition leaders, including RJD MP Manoj Jha and TMC MP Mahua Moitra, who have approached the apex court along with various civil society groups.
The NGO Association of Democratic Reforms, People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), and activist Yogendra Yadav have also filed petitions challenging the poll body’s move.
During a partial working day bench session on Monday, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing several petitioners, requested that notices be issued to the Election Commission.
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Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi acknowledged the request and confirmed the matter would be heard on Thursday. “We will have it on Thursday,” Justice Dhulia said.
