VBA Leaders Move Bombay HC Over Maharashtra SIR, Seek Safeguards Against Wrongful Voter Exclusion

Mumbai, September 24, 2026: The Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) has taken the Bombay High Court to task over the methodology used for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maharashtra, alleging potential wrongful exclusion of eligible voters. Youth President Sagar Ramesh Gawai and Rafique Ilahi Khan, representing the party, have sought disclosure and recording of the legal grounds for the SIR, along with safeguards to protect voters from arbitrary removal from the rolls.

House-to-House Enumeration Concerns The petition highlights issues with the enumeration process, pointing to a significant number of voters being classified under the ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate) and "Uncollectable Enumeration Form" categories. The petition argues that this could lead to voters being excluded without proper notification, hearing or a reasoned decision by the Electoral Registration Officer.

Transparent Process Petitioners are not challenging the authority of the Election Commission of India to conduct the SIR but are seeking judicial oversight to ensure transparency and compliance with legal standards. They have requested instructions in multiple languages for the revision process, equal access to online and physical verification methods, and a clear statutory appeal process for those potentially excluded.

The current SIR draft is set for publication on August 31, with the final roll due by November 4. The High Court is expected to hear the petition at a later date.