The ECI does not have unlimited authority.

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a special intensive revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls for the upcoming Assembly elections.

• Opposition parties allege the revision aims to disenfranchise thousands of voters, citing non-Indian citizenship.

• The ECI denies these allegations and justifies the revision.

• Several Supreme Court petitions challenge the ECI’s order.

• The Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950, outlines disqualifications for voter registration.

• The Supreme Court characterized the ECI as a “reservoir of power” and emphasized its discretion in areas not covered by any statute.

• The ECI’s order mentions the qualifying date as 01/07/2025, contradicting the provisions of the RPA.