Aadhaar Valid For Voter Roll Revision, Top Court Tells Election Commission
The Supreme Court has stepped in once again to ensure fairness in India’s electoral process. On Tuesday, the Election Commission (EC) issued fresh instructions to the Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) — Aadhaar will now be accepted as an additional proof of identity during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state.
This move comes after the Supreme Court directed the EC to treat Aadhaar as the 12th valid document, alongside the 11 already listed, such as birth certificates, caste certificates, passports, and educational certificates.
Aadhaar as Proof of Identity, Not Citizenship
The EC clarified that Aadhaar is to be used strictly as proof of identity and not as proof of citizenship. This aligns with Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act and Section 23(4) of the Representation of People Act, 1950, which already recognizes Aadhaar for identity verification.
The Commission has asked all District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant EROs to comply without exception. Any refusal to accept Aadhaar will be treated with “utmost seriousness,” the EC emphasized.
Why This Matters for Bihar’s Voters
The SIR process is crucial, especially as Bihar heads toward Assembly elections. Registered voters were asked to submit fresh enumeration forms by July 25 to be included in the draft roll published on August 1. However, nearly 65 lakh names were deleted at the draft stage, as officials marked them as dead, permanently shifted, or untraceable.
The Supreme Court’s order is expected to help those voters get back on the rolls more easily, particularly since Aadhaar is a widely held document compared to others like passports or caste certificates.
A Step Toward Transparency
The EC had initially argued that Aadhaar could not serve as proof of citizenship. However, the Supreme Court reminded the Commission that accessibility and fairness must be at the forefront of democratic processes. By allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and voter IDs, the court has tried to reduce exclusion and ensure transparency.
What’s Next?
- The claims and objections period closed on September 1.
- The final electoral roll will be published on September 30.
- Voters whose names were deleted in the draft roll can now reapply using Aadhaar as valid identity proof.
This development not only impacts Bihar but also sets a precedent for similar revisions across India, ensuring that no eligible citizen is left behind due to documentation hurdles.
Bottom Line
The Supreme Court’s intervention has pushed the EC to adopt a more inclusive approach. By allowing Aadhaar as an additional ID, the process becomes more voter-friendly and strengthens India’s democratic framework.
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