The Election Commission (EC) has been embroiled in a debate regarding the use of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly in Bihar. The core of the issue revolves around whether these documents can be considered sufficient proof of citizenship for voter registration.
The Supreme Court has weighed in, directing the EC to "consider" accepting Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards during the revision process. This directive came in response to petitions questioning the EC's exclusion of Aadhaar from the list of acceptable documents. The petitioners argued that excluding these documents could disenfranchise eligible voters.
However, the Election Commission has expressed reservations about accepting these documents as standalone proof of citizenship. The EC argues that Aadhaar is merely a proof of identity and explicitly states it is not proof of citizenship. The EC also raised concerns about the "widespread issuance of bogus ration cards," making them unreliable for verification purposes. Regarding voter IDs (Electors Photo Identity Card or EPIC), the EC noted that these cards are prepared based on existing electoral rolls, creating a circular dependency.
Despite these reservations, the Supreme Court emphasized that the Representation of the People Act allows for the use of Aadhaar. The court also pointed out that Aadhaar serves as a primary identity document for various purposes.
Adding to the complexity, the EC has assured the Supreme Court that a person's citizenship will not be terminated solely because they are deemed ineligible for registration in the electoral rolls during the SIR. The EC maintains that the SIR guidelines are constitutional and aimed at maintaining the purity of electoral rolls. The poll body has clarified that voters already included in the 2025 electoral rolls of Bihar will be included in the draft roll to be published on August 1, provided they submit their enumeration forms, with or without additional documents.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged the EC's argument that checking citizenship is essential for voter eligibility but questioned the timing of the SIR, particularly its connection to the Bihar Assembly elections. The court suggested that if the exercise aimed to verify citizenship, the EC should have acted earlier and conducted it nationwide. The court also stated that citizenship issues fall under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Abhishek Singhvi, representing opposition parties, argued that the EC cannot reject Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards outright, as the Supreme Court's interim order directs the EC to consider them. He further contended that the EC lacks the authority to turn the SIR into a citizenship verification exercise.
The final electoral roll for Bihar is scheduled to be published on September 30, 2025, providing a deadline for resolving these issues. The Supreme Court has scheduled a further hearing on July 28 to continue examining the powers, process, and timing of the SIR. The court has asked the Election Commission to file its counter-affidavit within a week and told the petitioners to file their rejoinder affidavit, if any, before July 28.
This situation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring fair and accurate electoral rolls and protecting the rights of eligible citizens. While the Election Commission is tasked with preventing electoral fraud and maintaining the integrity of the election process, it must also avoid disenfranchising genuine voters. The ongoing legal proceedings and the Supreme Court's involvement underscore the importance of resolving these issues in a just and transparent manner.
