Petition In Supreme Court Challenges ECI's Decision To Hold Only Special Revision Of Assam Electoral Rolls Instead Of SIR

A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of India's decision to conduct only a “Special Revision” of the electoral roll in Assam instead of a “Special Intensive Revision” ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The petition argues that this move is arbitrary, discriminatory, and inconsistent with the Commission's own policy for several other States and Union Territories.

The petition has been filed by Mrinal Kumar Choudhury, former President of the Gauhati High Court Bar Association. It alleges that while States such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Goa and UTs including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry are undergoing Special Intensive Revision, Assam has been singled out for a less rigorous process. 

According to the plea, Special Revision does not require electors to submit documents proving citizenship, age or residence. In contrast, Special Intensive Revision mandates production of documents to justify inclusion in the voter list. The petitioner argues that given Assam's history of large-scale illegal immigration, the State requires stricter verification.

The petition relies on earlier official assessments, including the 1997 report of Assam Governor Lt. Gen. S. K. Sinha and statements of former Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta regarding the presence of 40 to 50 lakh illegal immigrants in the State. It also cites Supreme Court observations in the Sarbananda Sonowal cases and litigation concerning Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. 

The petition, contends that there is “no difference on the ground realities” between Assam and the other States where Special Intensive Revision is underway. The plea further points out that the ECI had earlier stated, both in its June 24 order for Bihar and in an affidavit filed in July before the Supreme Court in the Association for Democratic Reforms case, that Special Intensive Revision would be conducted across the country. 

The petition also highlights sharp demographic changes in Assam and argues that failing to conduct Special Intensive Revision will allow ineligible voters, including illegal immigrants, to remain on the rolls, potentially affecting the outcome of the upcoming Assembly elections. 

The petition has been settled by Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria. The petition has been filed through Ansauya Choudhary.

Case : MRINAL KUMAR CHOUDHURY v. ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA