New Delhi — The central government on Tuesday firmly rejected the Opposition’s persistent demand for a discussion in Lok Sabha on the Election Commission’s special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, citing that the matter is sub judice and falls under the jurisdiction of the autonomous Election Commission.
As the House reconvened at 2 pm after two earlier adjournments caused by Opposition protests, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the government’s position. He stated that under Lok Sabha rules, issues pending before the judiciary cannot be debated in the House.
“The rules clearly state that sub judice matters cannot be discussed in Parliament,” Rijiju said, adding, “Additionally, issues related to autonomous constitutional bodies like the Election Commission are not open for parliamentary scrutiny.”
Despite repeated disruptions from opposition parties, Rijiju maintained that the government remains open to discussions on all matters—provided they are in line with constitutional and parliamentary procedures.
“This issue—revision of electoral rolls in Bihar—is before the Supreme Court. Since it’s sub judice, we cannot hold a discussion on it here,” he told the House.
The Minister also urged members to engage constructively in legislative business. “There are significant bills lined up, including the Sports Bill. Let us proceed with meaningful debate instead of constant disruption,” Rijiju said.
Meanwhile, the opposition’s protest extended beyond the Lok Sabha. Several INDIA bloc MPs staged a demonstration in the Parliament House complex, demanding a rollback of the SIR and pressing for open debate in both Houses.
Opposition parties also submitted a joint letter to Speaker Om Birla, urging him to send the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to a joint committee for in-depth review. They argued that both bills are of national importance and require wider consensus.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, joining the protest, slammed the government’s silence. “They’ve become so weak—neither can they stand up to Donald Trump nor manage Parliament,” she remarked, accusing the government of evading basic democratic dialogue.
“All we are asking for is a five-minute discussion. What’s the harm in that? Let both sides present their views and let the people judge,” she added.
Over ten petitions, including one by the Association for Democratic Reforms and several opposition parties, have been filed in the Supreme Court against the SIR, which the opposition claims is designed to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming Bihar election.
