Supreme Court directs Election Commission to release list of 65 lakh excluded voters in Bihar

Supreme Court directs Bihar to disclose 65 lakh missing voters’ names on district websites with EPIC searchability. Mandates transparency through media/public displays and Aadhaar-based claims. Next hearing August 22. Landmark move ensures electoral inclusivity ahead of polls.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court, while issuing an important direction in the Special Electoral Registration (SIR) case of Bihar, has asked the Election Commission to make public the names of 65 lakh voters who were left out of the voter list. The court has emphasized ensuring that all these names are uploaded on district-level websites and the public is given full information about it. Also, the court has also given instructions to ensure transparency and wide publicity in this process.

Voter list and EPIC search facility

The Election Commission has directed that the list of missing voters should be prepared booth-wise and provide the facility to search it through EPIC (voter identity card) number. It will also be clearly mentioned in this list what the reason was for missing a person's name. Apart from this, voters will also be given the facility to present their claim by submitting a copy of their Aadhar card.

Publicity through website and media

Apart from district-level websites, information about the left-out voters will also be published on local media and government social media platforms. The aim is to ensure that every person is aware of the status of his name and to bring maximum transparency to the democratic process.

Providing information at the booth and block level

Each booth-level officer has been directed to display the list of left-out voters in Panchayat Bhawans and Block offices. Also, the reasons for missing names will also be clearly stated. Apart from this, the district-wise list will also be uploaded on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer of the state so that any person can easily get his information.

Compliance report and next hearing

The Supreme Court has also directed that the booth and district level officers should prepare a report of compliance of this order and submit it to the court. The next hearing in this case will be on August 22. The court has also ensured that the voter list is made searchable through EPIC number so that every voter can easily confirm his name.

This order of the Supreme Court is a big relief for the voters of Bihar. This will not only give the left-out voters a chance to add their names but will also increase transparency in the electoral process. This decision is an important step towards strengthening democracy, which will ensure that no eligible voter is deprived of his right to vote.