Bihar Election Commission Directed to Accept Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Cards for Electoral Rolls Revision

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as valid documents for the Special Intensive Revision of Bihar electoral rolls. The court clarified that its direction does not mean that the ECI must include anyone's name in the electoral roll solely on the basis of these documents. The revision of electoral rolls is part of the special intensive revision ordered by the ECI on June 24 for Bihar ahead of the Assembly elections.

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as valid documents for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar electoral rolls. The court's directive aims to streamline the voter registration process ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar.

The court, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, clarified that while these documents are acceptable, the ECI is not compelled to include anyone's name in the electoral roll solely based on these documents. The directive follows a series of petitions challenging the ECI's June 24 directive, which ordered a special intensive revision of the electoral rolls in Bihar.

The SIR exercise, initiated by the ECI, requires voters not listed in the 2003 electoral roll to submit documents proving their citizenship. Those born after December 2004 must also provide the citizenship documents of both parents, with additional requirements if a parent is a foreign national. The court acknowledged the importance of the issue, stating that it goes to the root of democracy and the right to vote.

Senior lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), argued that the ECI's SIR drive was arbitrary and discriminatory. He contended that the exercise had no basis in law and that the guidelines provided certain exemptions for specific groups, which he considered unfair.

The court has directed the ECI to file a counter affidavit within one week and a rejoinder by July 28. It has also questioned the timing of the SIR exercise, noting that it should have been completed months before the election. The court has scheduled the matter to be heard again on July 28, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent process.

The SIR exercise is a critical step in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the electoral rolls, which are fundamental to free and fair elections. The court's directive aims to address the concerns raised by the petitioners and ensure that the revision process is conducted in a manner that is both fair and legally sound.

References:
[1] https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/supreme-court-hearing-live-updates-bihar-electoral-roll-list-sir-election-commission/3909347/
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/supreme-court-aadhaar-voter-id-ration-cards-bihar-electoral-rolls-125071001141_1.html