New Delhi, September 16: The Supreme Court on Monday fixed October 7 for final arguments on the validity of the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, while clarifying that its ruling will apply across the country.
A division bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said the court would not give “piecemeal opinions” but stressed that the Election Commission of India (ECI), as a constitutional body, is presumed to be conducting the exercise in accordance with law. At the same time, the bench cautioned that if any illegality is proven, the entire revision process could be nullified.
The court allowed petitioners opposing the Bihar SIR to also present arguments against the pan-India exercise during the final hearing. It also issued notice on a plea seeking recall of its September 8 order, which had directed the ECI to include Aadhaar as the 12th prescribed document in the Bihar SIR. The bench reiterated that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, though electors may submit it for verification.
