UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — EC discretion during SIR is not unregulated authority, says SC

Q1. Which one of the following constitutional provisions is the principal source of the Election Commission of India's plenary power of 'superintendence, direction and control' over the preparation of electoral rolls, on which the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) order was founded?

  • A. Article 324
  • B. Article 325
  • C. Article 326
  • D. Article 327

Q2. With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls undertaken in Bihar in 2025, consider the following statements: 1. The qualifying date prescribed for the revision was 1 July 2025. 2. The previous intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar was carried out in 2003. 3. The SIR was directed under Article 324 of the Constitution read with Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 4. The revised final electoral roll was scheduled to be published by 30 November 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The qualifying date prescribed for the revision was 1 July 2025.
  2. The previous intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar was carried out in 2003.
  3. The SIR was directed under Article 324 of the Constitution read with Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
  4. The revised final electoral roll was scheduled to be published by 30 November 2025.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q3. In the context of recent electoral roll exercises, what does the term 'Special Intensive Revision (SIR)' precisely refer to?

  • A. An extraordinary, house-to-house re-enumeration of electors with a fresh qualifying date, ordered under Article 324 read with Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950
  • B. The annual summary revision of electoral rolls carried out with 1 January as the qualifying date under Rule 25 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
  • C. Continuous updation of electoral rolls undertaken between two general elections through Forms 6, 7 and 8
  • D. A revision confined to constituencies whose boundaries have been altered by a fresh delimitation order

Q4. Which of the following bodies is directly responsible for conducting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in a State?

  • A. The Election Commission of India, acting through the Chief Electoral Officer of the State concerned
  • B. The State Election Commission constituted under Article 243K
  • C. The Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice
  • D. The Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs