Name of the Case: Association of Democratic Reforms & Ors v. Election Commission of India
Citation: W. P. (Civil) No. 640/2025 and connected matters.
Bench: Hon’ble Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Joymalya Bagchi
Date: 10.07.2025
The Hon’ble Supreme Court issued notice on a batch of petitions challenging the Election Commission of India’s order dated 24.06.2025 initiating a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the upcoming State Assembly elections. It is being argued by multiple petitioners including public interest litigants that the revision process, including the timeline and the required documents, are in violation of Fundamental Rights and constitutional provisions under Articles 14, 21, 324, 325 and 326. The petitioners further argue that the list of 11 documents prescribed for verification may result in the exclusion of legitimate voters who lack those specific documents. The timing of the SIR was also questioned, considering that the State elections are scheduled for November 2025.
Despite the Hon’ble Court’s acknowledgment of the significance of the issues raised, especially related to the right to vote and the importance of procedural fairness in a democracy, yet, the petitioner’s request for grant of interim stay was refused. Acknowledging the non-exhaustive nature of the list of 11 documents provided by the ECI, the Hon’ble bench requested if for the purpose of verification, certain other documents akin Aadhar card and Ration card could be considered, despite the ECI’s contention that Aadhar card is not a proof of citizenship, and merely . The Hon’ble court has fixed the matter for next hearing on 28th July 2025 and meanwhile, the ECI has been permitted to continue the revision process in accordance with law.
