Bihar SIR hearing: Supreme Court fixes October 7

The Supreme Court on Monday observed that it is proceeding on the presumption that the Election Commission of India (ECI), as a constitutional authority, is adhering to the law in conducting the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in the poll-bound state of Bihar.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi made the remarks while hearing a petition challenging the validity of the ongoing electoral roll revision in the state. The court, while refusing to offer any interim or “piecemeal” opinion on the matter, stated that it would thoroughly examine the legality of the exercise in due course.

“We presume that the Election Commission, being a constitutional body, is acting within the framework of the law,” the bench said. However, it also issued a clear warning that if any illegality is discovered in the process, the entire revision could be rendered null and void.

The apex court scheduled the matter for final arguments on October 7, indicating that a comprehensive evaluation of the exercise will be undertaken at that time. The petitioners have alleged that the special revision process in Bihar violates established procedures and may compromise the integrity of the electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.

The court’s remarks underscore the significance of procedural compliance by constitutional bodies, especially in matters directly impacting the democratic process. The outcome of the hearing could have far-reaching implications, not just for Bihar but also for the Election Commission's role in managing electoral processes across the country.

The case will now be closely watched as the court prepares to deliver its verdict on the validity of the Bihar electoral roll revision next month.