SC sets Oct 7 for final hearing on pleas against validity of Bihar SIR

The Supreme Court on Monday announced that it will hear final arguments on October 7 regarding the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls.

- TDG NETWORK

The bench clarified that its verdict will not only impact Bihar’s voter list exercise but will also guide how the Election Commission of India conducts similar exercises nationwide.

CHALLENGE TO BIHAR’S ELECTORAL ROLL REVISION

The court was hearing petitions challenging the Election Commission's decision to conduct an SIR in Bihar. Critics, mainly from opposition parties, alleged that the exercise was designed to suppress votes ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections, benefiting the ruling BJP-led NDA. The ECI had notified in June 2025 that the revision would overhaul Bihar’s voter list, with January 1, 2026, set as the qualifying date.

The ECI's affidavit submitted on Monday stated that it has asked Chief Electoral Officers across the country—except Bihar—to begin preparations for their respective SIR exercises.