Law Mandates Notices to Electors Be Issued Only by Local Officials; Central EC’s Pre-Filled Notices in Bihar Spark Controversy

A major controversy has emerged in Bihar over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, centering on allegations that the central Election Commission issued pre-filled notices directly to electors, even though existing election laws clearly state that such notices can only be issued by designated local election officials like Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers. This legal framework is meant to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper verification of voter identity and residence at the grassroots level, but during the SIR exercise in Bihar, this established procedure appears to have been bypassed. Reports suggest that voters received notices already filled with personal details such as names, addresses, and voter identification information, raising serious legal and administrative concerns about centralized issuance and possible jurisdictional overreach. Election law experts argue that such notices may lack statutory validity, warning that sidelining local election machinery undermines the integrity of the process and could lead to voter confusion or even wrongful deletion of genuine voters. Opposition parties and civil society groups have strongly objected, cautioning that deviations from established procedures risk disenfranchisement. While the SIR is intended to update and clean electoral rolls through verification based on a qualifying date and active voter participation, the issuance of notices remains a critical and legally defined step that cannot be altered without scrutiny. Several legal petitions challenging the process are now before the Supreme Court, which is examining whether due process is being followed; although it has not stayed the exercise, it has sought clarifications from the Election Commission. The Commission has defended the move, claiming the pre-filled forms are meant to assist voters and improve efficiency while maintaining local verification, but confusion persists among voters, many of whom have questioned deadlines and the authority behind the notices. As Bihar approaches crucial elections, political tensions continue to rise, with the opposition demanding an immediate review and strict adherence to legal provisions, while the ruling establishment backs the Commission. Observers stress that clearer communication and reinforcement of the role of local officials are essential to prevent further controversy, as the outcome of ongoing legal challenges could set an important precedent for electoral administration and highlight the delicate balance between administrative efficiency and adherence to the rule of law.

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