Supreme Court's 'troubling judgment' on Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls raises constitutional concerns
The Supreme Court's May 27, 2026 judgment on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has sparked significant debate regarding the Election Commission of India's (ECI) powers and conduct. The Court upheld all ECI arguments, despite petitioners' concerns about the SIR's implementation in Bihar, just months before the 2025 Assembly election. Critics argue the SIR was conducted under a wrong provision of law (Section 21(3) instead of 21(2) of RP Act, 1950), leading to the deletion of millions of voters without proper redress. The judgment also grants the ECI broad authority to determine citizenship documents, a role typically belonging to the Home Ministry, raising questions about its constitutional mandate.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court's judgment on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar has raised questions about the ECI's powers and adherence to statutory provisions.
- Critics argue that the SIR was implemented under an incorrect legal provision, Section 21(3) of the RP Act, 1950, which is meant for special revision in a constituency, not an intensive revision across a whole state.
- The judgment's allowance for the ECI to determine citizenship documents for electoral roll purposes is seen as an overreach into the Home Ministry's domain.
- The intensive revision process, conducted just before the 2025 Assembly election, led to the deletion of millions of voters without effective redress.
- The verdict is viewed as a 'damning indictment' of past ECI electoral roll preparation and revision processes due to 'cumulative inaccuracies' and 'structural deficiencies'.
Exam Facts
- The Supreme Court judgment on SIR was delivered on May 27, 2026.
- Relevant legal provisions include Sections 21(2) and 21(3) of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1950, and Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Article 325 of the Constitution mandates one general electoral roll for every constituency, prohibiting discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or sex.
- Article 324 confers the power to prepare electoral rolls and conduct elections on the ECI.
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