New Delhi, October 9, 2025: In a significant development concerning the electoral process in Bihar, the Supreme Court of India has mandated the Bihar State Legal Services Authority (BSLSA) to provide free legal assistance to individuals whose names were excluded from the final voter list following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This directive aims to ensure that these individuals can file appeals with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to contest their exclusion.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi issued the order, emphasizing the necessity for legal aid to uphold the democratic rights of the affected citizens. The court highlighted the importance of providing access to justice for all, as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

The BSLSA has been instructed to activate para-legal volunteers and legal aid lawyers across Bihar to assist the excluded voters. These volunteers and lawyers will help the affected individuals in preparing and submitting their appeals to the ECI, ensuring that the appeals are filed within the stipulated time frame and with proper documentation.

The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for October 16, 2025, where the court will review the progress of the appeals and the effectiveness of the assistance provided to the excluded voters.