Bihar SIR: SC Warns Entire Exercise Could Be Quashed if EC Uses Illegal Methodology

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday warned that the entire Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar could be set aside if any illegality is detected in the Election Commission’s methodology.

The apex court emphasized that it assumes the Election Commission, a constitutional authority, is following the law and mandatory rules, but clarified that it cannot give a piecemeal opinion on Bihar alone. The final judgment will have pan-India implications for SIR exercises.

Hearing of the final arguments on the validity of Bihar’s SIR is scheduled for October 7. Petitioners challenging the Bihar exercise have also been allowed to argue on the nationwide SIR on the same date.

Separately, the court issued a notice on a plea seeking the recall of its September 8 order directing the poll panel to include Aadhaar cards as the 12th prescribed document for Bihar’s SIR. The court had clarified then that Aadhaar would not serve as proof of citizenship, though the Election Commission can verify its authenticity if submitted by an elector for inclusion in the electoral roll.