Sen also questioned the fairness of a bureaucratic process that demands strict documentation from citizens who may not have access to those things. He also said that administrative processes and periodic revisions are necessary, but these must not come at the cost of fundamental rights. “Yes, it’s true that from time to time various procedural tasks need to be carried out. However, in doing so, one cannot create a ‘better system’ by trampling on the rights of the poor,” Sen told reporters here.

He emphasised the importance of a just and inclusive approach, pointing out that many individuals still lack proper documentation and, as a result, are often excluded from the electoral process. “Many people don’t have documents. Many cannot vote...If, in the name of trying to improve things a little, harm is caused to many, then that becomes a serious mistake,” Sen said, adding, “You cannot justify seven new mistakes just to correct one”.

The special intensive revision of electoral rolls by the Election Commission is aimed at updating and verifying the accuracy of electoral rolls, thereby creating clean and error-free lists. The process has drawn criticism from political parties and rights activists. More than 65 lakh enumeration forms were ‘not included’ in the draft electoral rolls prepared as part of the first phase of SIR by the Election Commission (EC) in Bihar, bringing down the total number of around 7.9 crore registered voters to 7.24 crore.