No Voter to be Deleted from Bihar Rolls Without Notice, EC Assures Supreme Court Amid ‘Vote Theft’ Row

The Election Commission of India has assured the Supreme Court that no voter’s name will be removed from the electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar without prior notice and a proper hearing. In a fresh affidavit filed amid a heated political controversy, the poll body committed to strictly upholding the principles of natural justice during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. The move comes as the opposition alleges the process is a “vote theft” scheme designed to disenfranchise marginalized communities ahead of the state assembly elections.

“As a matter of policy and in strict adherence to the principles of natural justice, no deletion of any elector’s name from the draft electoral roll, published on 1st August 2025, shall be undertaken without issuance of a prior notice to the concerned elector indicating the proposed deletion and the grounds thereof, affording a reasonable opportunity of being heard,” the commission stated in its affidavit.

The EC’s assurance aims to quell the legal and political storm surrounding the revision, which opposition parties claim could exclude lakhs of genuine voters through arbitrary documentation requirements.

The poll panel detailed a multi-pronged strategy to ensure maximum inclusion, telling the top court it is taking all possible measures to prevent the exclusion of any eligible voter. This includes extensive awareness campaigns through SMS and media, repeated visits by Booth Level Officers, and special camps in urban areas.

The EC also highlighted that it would actively assist any vulnerable elector who lacks the necessary documents to obtain them. It noted that of the 7.89 crore electors in the state, over 7.24 crore have already submitted their enumeration forms.

While several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the revision, the Election Commission maintains that the SIR is a routine exercise essential for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process by removing deceased, duplicate, or permanently shifted voters.

A two-tier appeal mechanism is also in place for voters to challenge any adverse decisions. The 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election for all 243 constituencies is anticipated to be held in October or November this year.