Here is the controversy explained in 10 points:

What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?

Why SIR became a flashpoint in Parliament

Supreme Court steps in

Massive participation or mass fraud?

35 lakh voters untraceable

Online, SMS, and volunteer outreach used to reach every voter

Claims and objections window opens August 1

EC says all major political parties consulted

From Bihar to the nation: A wider SIR looms

Concerns about due process and transparency

(With inputs from agencies)

NEW DELHI: A political and legal battle is underway over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. What was intended as a technical exercise to improve the accuracy of voter lists has escalated into a flashpoint in both Parliament and the Supreme Court, with opposition parties alleging disenfranchisement and voter fraud, while the poll body insists it is a necessary step to uphold electoral integrity.The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition today challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, as the Opposition intensifies its attack on the government over the exercise. Led by the Congress, opposition parties have accused the Centre of using the revision process to target voters just months before the state heads to elections. The row over SIR has gained fresh momentum in Parliament as well, with protests disrupting proceedings of the House over the past week.The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar on June 24. As per the centre, the objective was to update and clean up the electoral roll through house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The last such exercise in the state was conducted in 2003. With Bihar undergoing rapid urbanisation, youth enrolment, and internal migration, the ECI said the revision was crucial for ensuring accurate rolls ahead of state elections.While the Monsoon session was set to debate Operation Sindoor, the SIR exercise quickly became a parallel point of contention. INDIA bloc MPs have submitted multiple notices demanding a discussion on the matter, alleging that the SIR was being used to remove genuine voters from rolls. Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that the Operation Sindoor debate would take priority, pushing SIR-related discussions to a later date — a decision that drew strong reactions from the Opposition.The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of pleas challenging the SIR. Petitioners argue that the exercise lacks legal safeguards and risks disenfranchising large swathes of the population. The lead petitioner, NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), claimed the exercise is “arbitrary” and violates Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution. The court has also questioned the exclusion of Aadhaar and ration cards as valid ID for voter verification.According to the EC, the SIR saw over 7.24 crore of Bihar’s 7.89 crore electors participate, a turnout rate of nearly 92%. However, multiple affidavits and field reports challenge this figure, suggesting enumeration forms were uploaded en masse by BLOs without voter consent. ADR and other petitioners claimed that even dead people were shown to have submitted forms, raising concerns of systemic fraud to meet internal targets.In its latest press note dated July 27, the Election Commission clarified the status of the 35 lakh voters flagged as missing. According to the ECI, many were found to have moved to other states or union territories, some were deceased, others did not submit their enumeration forms, and a few were simply not willing to register. The Commission emphasised that their exact status will be confirmed only after scrutiny by EROs and AEROs by 1 August. Importantly, all genuine electors can still be added during the claims and objections period starting 1 August.Over 5.7 crore SMSes were sent to registered mobile numbers, 29 lakh forms were submitted digitally, and BLOs made multiple home visits. Volunteers also assisted senior citizens, PwDs, and vulnerable groups in accessing forms and filing appeals, with training provided for redressal mechanisms.The EC has said that no name will be deleted without a “speaking order” and due notice. The draft rolls will be published on August 1, and electors or parties can file claims or objections till September 1. Appeals can be made to the District Magistrate or CEO if needed.In a detailed affidavit to the Supreme Court, the ECI defended the SIR as essential for removing ineligible voters and ensuring free and fair elections. Citing Articles 326 and provisions of the Representation of People Act, the Commission insisted it was fulfilling its constitutional duty. EC also claimed all major political parties were consulted and that over 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents were deployed. However, the ADR contested that no political party had asked for a complete overhaul.In its June 24 directive, the ECI announced that SIR will eventually be conducted nationwide. With 96.88 crore voters in India, even a small error rate could affect millions. ANI said the findings in Bihar have heightened concerns about systemic issues that could emerge in other states, especially where similar migration patterns exist. The draft electoral rolls will be published on August 1, with a window for objections open until September 1.Critics say the SIR is being conducted in a way that violates procedural fairness. ADR’s affidavit to the court alleged that forms were submitted by BLOs without physical verification, and that there were no proper channels for redress. The EC has argued that appeals can be made under Section 24 of the RP Act, but complainants say awareness and accessibility are limited. With conflicting narratives and high stakes, the SIR has now evolved from a bureaucratic exercise to a national controversy.