Centre blocks debate on Bihar electoral roll revision, cites EC autonomy; Opposition cries foul

NEW DELHI: The Union government has signaled its unwillingness to allow a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar , with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh invoking a 1988 ruling by former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar to reject the Oppositions demand. On Tuesday, Harivansh cited Jakhars December 1988 decision, which barred parliamentary discussion on the functioning or decisions of the Election Commission (EC), stating that the autonomous bodys actions cannot be scrutinized in the House. You know that I cannot comment upon the actions and decisions of the EC, which is an autonomous body. Never before have I done it, nor will I do it now. Unless you amend the Constitution and bring the EC under parliamentary purview, we cannot discuss its decisions, Harivansh said, quoting Jakhars ruling. The Deputy Chairmans remarks came as he dismissed 34 notices submitted by Opposition MPs, most seeking the suspension of business under Rule 267 to urgently debate the SIR in Bihar and other states. Harivansh cited procedural flaws, including incorrect formatting, the sub judice nature of some matters, and the absence of precedent for such discussions. He expressed concern over the frequent misuse of Rule 267, meant for rarest of rare cases, noting that most notices lacked proper citations or pertained to issues outside Parliaments jurisdiction. Despite clear rules, some members are using Rule 267 casually, disrupting proceedings when their notices are disallowed, he said. Highlighting historical data, Harivansh pointed out that very few such notices had been acceptednone between 20002004, only four from 20042009, one out of 491 during 20092014, and just six out of 3,152 between 2014 and the 2025 Budget Session. The Opposition, however, remains adamant, alleging that the SIR is being used to manipulate electoral rolls ahead of elections by targeting specific communities. Last week, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also referenced Jakhars ruling, while Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reiterated it during floor leader meetings. The ruling is being cited in the Rajya Sabha for the first time. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal further reinforced the governments stance on Saturday, urging the Opposition to adhere to Jakhars precedent. Meanwhile, both Houses of Parliament have faced repeated disruptions as Opposition parties push for discussions on the SIR and other issues, threatening to escalate protests inside and outside Parliament if their demands are ignored. EC publishes draft voter rolls for poll-bound Bihar after month-long SIR