India: Election Commission Issues Notices in Eight Muslim-Majority Bihar Districts for Voter List Verification

India: Election Commission Issues Notices in Eight Muslim-Majority Bihar Districts for Voter List Verification
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During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued the highest number of notices to eight border districts—East Champaran, West Champaran, Madhubani, Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, Araria, and Supaul, Muslim Mirror Network reported. These districts, along the India-Nepal and India-Bangladesh borders, have substantial Muslim and Dalit populations.

According to ECI sources, the notices were prompted by gaps in submitted paperwork, incorrect documents, and questions about applicants’ citizenship eligibility. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) in the districts have begun scrutinizing applications, with hearings scheduled to start on September 3 in Raxaul and on September 7 in Madhubani.

Each notice informs the recipient that their submitted documents are unsatisfactory and requires them to appear with original papers at the specified date, time, and venue. Under the ECI’s June 24 order, EROs are empowered to verify claims, initiate suo motu proceedings, and remove names from the rolls after issuing a speaking order explaining the reasons for deletion.