Consider Aadhaar, voter ID for Bihar roll update: SC to ECI

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The North News

New Delhi, July 10

The Supreme Court on Thursday asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider accepting Aadhaar, voter ID (EPIC), and ration cards as valid documents for identity verification during the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The revision, which is part of the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups. They have challenged the ECI’s 24 June directive that initiated the update process, alleging it may lead to voter exclusion.

While the top court declined to stay the SIR process, it repeatedly questioned the ECI’s refusal to allow Aadhaar as an admissible form of identification. “ECI may consider Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as valid proof for SIR,” the bench said. The court’s remarks came during the hearing of a batch of petitions filed by opposition parties and NGOs, who argue that the directive lacks legal clarity and could disenfranchise legitimate voters.