Concerns Raised Over Bihar's Electoral Roll Revision Process

The People's Union for Civil Liberties has voiced strong objections to the Election Commission's recent decision to revise Bihar's electoral rolls. They argue that this move could disenfranchise millions of voters lacking proper documentation, undermining the constitutional right to vote. The organization emphasizes the need for inclusivity and fairness in the electoral process, highlighting the challenges many voters face in meeting the new requirements. As the state prepares for upcoming Assembly elections, the implications of this revision could significantly impact voter participation. Read on to discover more about the concerns raised and the potential consequences for Bihar's electorate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 5, 2025, 09:25 IST

Electoral Roll Revision Sparks Controversy

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has approached the Election Commission, expressing concerns that the recent decision to implement a special intensive revision of Bihar's electoral rolls undermines the constitutional right to universal adult franchise.

According to the organization, this initiative is poorly conceived and rushed, likely to disenfranchise individuals lacking the necessary documentation.

This special intensive revision was announced by the Election Commission on June 24, in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for later this year.

As part of this initiative, individuals not listed on the 2003 voter registry must provide proof of their eligibility to vote. This requirement affects approximately 2.93 crore of the state's 7.89 crore voters, translating to around 37% of the electorate.

Voters born before July 1, 1987 are required to present evidence of their date and place of birth, while those born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, must provide documentation confirming the birth details of one parent. For individuals born after December 2, 2004, proof of birth is needed for themselves and both parents.

The PUCL criticized the Election Commission for shifting the responsibility of inclusion onto marginalized voters, stating, “This executive order reverses the process, placing the onus on those who are already disadvantaged.”

They emphasized that the Election Commission must ensure that individuals facing 'document deficits', lack of access to technology, or those unable to fill out forms or be present for documentation are not excluded from the electoral process.

“The primary duty is to foster inclusivity and uphold universal adult franchise,” the organization asserted. “Disqualifications should only be considered after a fair and equitable process has been established.”

As the electoral roll revision progresses, many voters have reported challenges in obtaining the required documents, noting that Aadhaar cards alone do not suffice. However, the PUCL highlighted that the revised Form 6 permits the use of Aadhaar cards as valid proof.

Furthermore, the organization pointed out that the amended form does not require proof of the voter's parents' birth, rendering the demands for 'self-attested declarations' and additional parental birth documentation unnecessary.

The PUCL also raised concerns about booth-level officers distributing enumeration forms instead of conducting a survey as mandated by the rules. They noted significant discrepancies between the enumeration form and the Form 4 specified for surveys.

“This shortcut, which places the burden of form-filling and document collection on voters, may have been adopted due to time constraints, but it is inconsistent with the established rules,” the organization concluded.