Why the Election Commission's new roll revision matters
The Election Commission has ordered a special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam — the first such exercise since 2004. Unlike a summary revision, enumerators will verify every entry door-to-door.
What happened
Invoking Article 324, the Commission cited large-scale migration, urbanization, and duplicate entries. Existing electors must submit enumeration forms; those added after 2004 must furnish proof of eligibility, shifting the burden of proof to the voter.
Why it matters
Petitioners argue the compressed timeline before state elections risks mass disenfranchisement, and that documentation requirements exceed what the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 prescribe. The Commission maintains that roll purity is a constitutional mandate under Article 326.
Prelims: Articles 324–326 · RP Act 1950 vs 1951 · summary vs intensive revision · ERO and CEO roles.
Mains (GS-II): "Electoral roll purity and universal franchise can pull in opposite directions." Discuss in the context of intensive revisions.
Background
Intensive revisions were routine until the 1990s but were phased out as rolls were computerized. The 2004 Bihar exercise was curtailed midway after logistical failures — a precedent both sides now cite.