Supreme Court Directs ECI to Release Names Excluded from Bihar Draft Roll

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court of India has instructed the Election Commission to publish the names of approximately 65 lakh voters excluded from Bihar’s draft electoral roll after a Special Intensive Revision conducted ahead of Assembly elections.
• A searchable list of excluded names, including reasons for their non-inclusion, must be published booth-wise on district electoral officers’ websites by August 19, 2025 (5 p.m.).
• Physical lists with reasons for exclusion are to be displayed on notice boards at booth-level offices and block development/panchayat offices.
• Voters seeking relief can raise objections accompanied by Aadhaar copies as proof of identity and residence.
• The Chief Electoral Officer is directed to ensure wide publicity through newspapers (regional and English), radio, television channels, and authorized social media platforms.
• The Election Commission must submit a compliance report regarding these directions on August 22 during the next court hearing.
• EPIC numbers will allow voters to search their status in digital lists as per court directives.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The directive from the Supreme Court reflects its increasing scrutiny over electoral processes in India amidst ongoing debates about the reliability and transparency of election procedures. Ensuring accessibly published voter exclusion data is critical for fostering trust among citizens in democratic institutions. Mandating Aadhaar-based objections showcases an attempt at standardization but could also inadvertently challenge those without access or familiarity with Aadhaar infrastructure.

For Bihar-a politically dynamic state-the scale of exclusions adds urgency to outreach efforts ensuring voter inclusivity before Assembly elections. This intervention highlights challenges inherent in reconciling technological efficiency with grassroots accessibility while bolstering institutional accountability well ahead of polling days.

Read more: Bihar Voter List Row hearing