Try GOLD - Free
The Acid Test
Outlook
|August 01, 2025
The Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar is a test case for the constitutional soul of the republic
THE Election Commission of India's (ECI) decision to undertake a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar in 2025 has created serious constitutional, legal, and political concerns.
Ostensibly aimed at purifying the electoral rolls, the process—timed months before a crucial state election—is being widely critiqued as a bureaucratic manoeuvre that could disenfranchise the poor, migrant labourers, and marginalised communities. India's democracy is structurally hostage to electoral strategies rather than genuinely reflective of people's choices, and in recent years, the ECI has become an additional tool in the hands of the government to perpetuate its rule.
The Constitutional Stakes
This story is from the August 01, 2025 edition of Outlook.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Outlook
Outlook
What Was the Jungle Raj
Successful attempts have been made in the past to end the Jungle Raj in Bihar by implementing processes like speedy trials and convictions of criminals. However, it is very much a part of Bihar politics even today
6 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
THE BADSHAH OF BOLLYWOOD
There were hits and flops, highs and lows. There was applause; awards and accolades followed. He broke box office records and changed the game. Then there were controversies. He was targeted for many things, including his Muslim identity. But nothing could dent the superstardom of Shah Rukh Khan. As he turns 60, we trace his journey to understand what makes King Khan relevant ... today and forever
8 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Bihar is Not for Beginners
The political foundation in Bihar is caste which carries the burden of its own class
5 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Tomorrow's Tools, Today's Wealth: Why Tech is the Bedrock of Your Child's Financial Future
Mandeep Mahendru emphasizes the importance of financial literacy in children as a foundation for responsible money management and long-term success
4 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Too Hot to Handle?
Land reforms, a largely unimplemented and mostly shelved programme, is considered central to Bihar's growth. Yet, it has little currency during election campaigning
6 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Newbie vs. Freebies
The most dramatic recent news from the Jan Suraaj Party is that Prashant Kishor will not be contesting these elections, against Tejashwi Yadav from Raghopur. He has said the reason is he doesn't want to focus only on his constituency, but spend time on all others. But on the ground, many feel he is running scared at the last minute after making some bombastic statements against his rival.
4 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Fugitive Frames
The 13th Berlin Biennale explores themes of fugitivity, subversion and art's endurance
4 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
People at the Heart of India's AI Revolution
Prof TG Sitharam discusses how India's 'Enhancing Human Capital' initiative is transforming the nation's demographic strength into an AI-driven future
3 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Bullet to an Amulet
Young Palestinians bristle with anger at the genocide. But that anger comes with paralysis
8 mins
November 11, 2025
Outlook
Elections Ideology
Elections stripped of ideology signal the rise of “marketisation” of politics–parties become brands, candidates turn into commodities and voters are treated as consumers to be enticed
5 mins
November 11, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size