The Election Commission (EC) informed the Supreme Court on Saturday, 10 August, that no voter’s name would be removed from the draft electoral roll in Bihar without prior notice, an opportunity to be heard, and the issuance of a reasoned order.
In an additional affidavit filed before the apex court, the poll panel said these safeguards would ensure that the rights of eligible voters were not compromised. “There would be no deletion of any voter’s name from the draft electoral roll in Bihar without issuance of prior notice, affording opportunity of being heard and a reasoned order,” the EC stated.
The assurance comes in the wake of the EC releasing the much anticipated draft electoral rolls for the state earlier this month. The draft lists 7.24 crore voters, but more than 65 lakh names have been removed. According to the Commission, most of the deletions relate to individuals who have either died or migrated.
The EC also clarified that there is no legal requirement under the current statutory framework to prepare or share a separate list of names excluded from the draft electoral rolls, nor to publish the reasons for any non inclusion. It said the law prescribes procedures for inclusion and deletion within the roll itself, but does not mandate a stand alone exclusion list.
The issue of voter name deletions in Bihar has drawn public attention due to the scale of changes in the latest draft rolls. The EC’s submission to the Supreme Court aims to address concerns that eligible voters might be removed without due process.
Officials emphasised that the ongoing process is in accordance with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act and related rules. Those whose names are missing from the draft roll can file claims for inclusion during the stipulated period, and objections can be raised against any wrongful deletions.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing matters related to the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, with petitioners seeking greater transparency in the process. The EC’s affidavit is expected to be considered in upcoming hearings.
By confirming that each deletion will be preceded by notice and an opportunity for the affected person to present their case, the EC has sought to underline its commitment to procedural fairness. However, it maintained that operational details, such as maintaining a separate exclusion register are not part of its statutory obligations.
With the publication of the draft rolls marking a significant step towards the next electoral cycle in Bihar, attention will remain focused on how the EC manages claims, objections, and corrections in the coming weeks. The final rolls will be published after this process concludes, ensuring that eligible voters are duly recorded ahead of future elections.
