Special Intensive Revision Of Electoral Rolls In India: Constitutional Foundations, Legal Controversies, And Democratic Implications
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Divyanshu Krishna, B.A.LL.B., School of Legal Studies, Babu Banarasi Das University
Neelank Rao, LL.M. (Corporate and Commercial Laws), School of Legal Studies, Babu Banarasi Das University
ABSTRACT
The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is a recent and controversial exercise undertaken by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to cleanse and update voter lists through door‐to‐door verification, large‐scale deletions, and fresh inclusions. While the Commission claims that the exercise is grounded in its constitutional authority under Article 324 and its statutory powers under Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act 1950, critics argue that the concept of “Special Intensive Revision” goes beyond the text of the statute and the Registration of Electors Rules 1960 .This doctrinal research paper examines the legal basis, procedure, and judicial scrutiny of Special Intensive Revision, with particular reference to the Bihar experience in 2025, and evaluates its implications for the principles of universal adult suffrage, electoral integrity, and constitutionalism. The paper argues that while periodic revision of electoral rolls is indispensable for credible elections, the opaque design and hurried implementation of Special Intensive Revision risk undermining inclusiveness and equality in the franchise, unless carefully constrained by clear statutory guidelines and judicial oversight.
