SC Dismisses Opposition's Request in Bihar SIR Case, Says Objections Still Allowed Post Deadline

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a key development in the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) case, the Supreme Court on Monday delivered a significant blow to opposition parties by refusing to extend the September 1 deadline for submitting claims and objections related to the draft voter list. However, the Court recorded the Election Commission’s assurance that citizens may continue to submit claims and objections even after the deadline.

The Election Commission clarified that additions and deletions to the voter list will be allowed up until the final date of nomination for the election. The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on September 8.

ECI counsel Eklavya Dwivedi informed the court that two petitions were heard during the session. One demanded an extension of the deadline, while the other sought Aadhaar coverage expansion from 65% to all 7.2 crore voters. The Supreme Court rejected both demands, but acknowledged the EC’s data that 99.5% of voter applications had already been filed. It also recorded the assurance that objections and claims can be raised beyond September 1.

The court also dismissed the argument that Aadhaar should be considered proof of citizenship, stating that the purpose of Aadhaar is identity verification, not citizenship validation. However, it can be accepted as proof of date of birth, if required.

The Election Commission noted that the draft voter list had been published on district election officer portals and the official Bihar CEO website, with ads placed in newspapers. The commission stated that the period from September 1 to 25 is ample for raising objections and claims, and applications will also be accepted after September 30, as long as they are valid.

The Supreme Court directed the Bihar State Legal Services Authority to notify para-legal volunteers to assist voters in filing claims and objections.

Earlier, petitioner Prashant Bhushan had argued that the August 22 order, which allowed Aadhaar as a document, was not being followed by the EC, and that BLOs (Block-Level Officers) had filled out several renumeration forms on behalf of voters. He also claimed that voters were being issued notices citing “document deficiencies.”

The court responded by reaffirming that excluded voters may file claims using Aadhaar, but emphasized that Aadhaar’s significance cannot exceed the limits set by law. The Court also instructed that a list of voters excluded despite possessing Aadhaar be submitted during the next hearing on September 8.