Aadhaar, Voter ID & Ration Cards Can’t Be Considered for SIR: ECI
In a recent development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has rejected the Supreme Court’s suggestion to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility in the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral roll. The ECI has clarified that a person’s citizenship will not terminate on account of not being part of the electoral rolls.
The ECI’s decision comes as a relief to many who were concerned about the potential implications of the Supreme Court’s suggestion. The suggestion was made by a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which had observed that the aforesaid documents could be accepted as proof of a person’s identity and eligibility to vote. However, the ECI has now made it clear that these documents cannot be accepted as standalone proof of voter eligibility.
The ECI has issued a notification stating that the existing proof of identity and eligibility documents, including the electoral photo identity card (EPIC), will continue to be the only valid documents for the SIR. The notification also emphasized that the existing procedure for the SIR will remain unchanged, and all eligible voters will have to provide proof of their identity and eligibility in accordance with the existing guidelines.
The ECI’s decision is a significant relief for millions of Indians who were concerned about the potential implications of the Supreme Court’s suggestion. Many had expressed fears that the suggestion could lead to a significant number of people being excluded from the electoral rolls, particularly in rural and marginalized areas where access to proof of identity and eligibility documents may be limited.
The ECI’s decision is also seen as a significant setback for the ruling BJP government, which had been pushing for the use of Aadhaar as a proof of identity and eligibility for various purposes, including voting. The government had argued that Aadhaar was a foolproof way to establish a person’s identity and eligibility, and that it could help to prevent fraudulent voting and other electoral malpractices.
However, the opposition parties had strongly opposed the government’s proposal, citing concerns about the potential misuse of Aadhaar data and the exclusion of marginalized communities from the electoral rolls. The ECI’s decision is seen as a victory for the opposition parties, which had been fighting against the government’s proposal to use Aadhaar as a proof of identity and eligibility.
The ECI’s decision is also significant in the context of the ongoing SIR in Bihar, which is being conducted to update the state’s electoral rolls. The SIR is a critical exercise that aims to ensure that the electoral rolls are accurate, up-to-date, and inclusive. The ECI’s decision to reject the Supreme Court’s suggestion will ensure that all eligible voters in Bihar can participate in the SIR and ensure that their voices are heard in the upcoming elections.
In conclusion, the ECI’s decision to reject the Supreme Court’s suggestion to accept Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as standalone proof of voter eligibility is a significant relief for millions of Indians. The decision ensures that all eligible voters in Bihar can participate in the SIR and that their voices are heard in the upcoming elections. It also sends a strong message to the government that the ECI will not compromise on the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process.
