Bihar’s voter registry faced a constitutional litmus test in the Supreme Court, where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)’s citizenship verification drew rigorous interrogation. Challengers claim it erodes due process; the EC insists it’s electoral housekeeping.
Rakesh Dwivedi for the EC invoked the 2003 Citizenship Amendment’s smooth passage, sans protests. The bench queried its direct link to SIR mandates. Upholding Article 326, he said SIR filters non-citizens from polls.
‘Migration’ proved contentious. Beyond borders? Yes, EC said, covering all relocations. Justices demurred: Indians’ right to roam freely nationwide makes such scrutiny suspect, potentially criminalizing lawful residency.
U.S. case law bolstered petitioners’ due process assault. EC counsel skewered the reference, spotlighting Trump’s extraterritorial bravado on Venezuela and Greenland as proof of Yankee inconsistencies.
January 22’s arguments concluded with judgment reserved; January 28 beckons. Implications loom large for Bihar’s voters, where SIR could purge or preserve ballots for lakhs, steering future election protocols.