Supreme Court to Hear Challenge Against Bihar Voter List Revision on July 10

New Delhi,  The Supreme Court of India, on Monday, took significant action by urgently listing petitions challenging the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) controversial move to conduct a "Special Intensive Revision" of Bihar’s electoral rolls.

A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi has scheduled the hearing for July 10, responding to growing public concern and legal objections over the sweeping nature of the revision.

Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, and Shadan Farasat appeared before the court on behalf of petitioners. They argued that the revision process, which demands over 4 crore voters to re-submit identity documents, could result in mass disenfranchisement—a move they say disproportionately affects poor, rural, and marginalized voters.

Of particular concern is the alleged non-acceptance of commonly used identification documents such as Aadhaar cards and voter ID cards, which has raised fears that many legitimate voters could be excluded from the electoral roll.

“The scale of this revision is unprecedented and could strip millions of their democratic right to vote,” argued Kapil Sibal. Other petitioners highlighted the timing of the revision, calling it politically motivated and logistically unfeasible so close to upcoming elections.

The apex court’s decision to take up the matter swiftly indicates the seriousness of the issue. Legal observers say the case could set an important precedent regarding the balance between ensuring electoral integrity and protecting citizens' fundamental voting rights.

As the nation watches closely, the outcome of the July 10 hearing could have wide-ranging implications not only for Bihar, but for electoral practices across India.

By Kusha Gulia