New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided that Aadhaar card will be considered as the 12th document in addition to 11 documents in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list in Bihar. This step has been taken in view of the Supreme Court order, in which the Election Commission was directed to accept Aadhaar as a proof of identity in the ongoing SIR in Bihar.
The Election Commission has asked the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar to direct all officers for its strict implementation.
In a letter addressed to the CEO of Bihar, ECI Secretary Pawan Diwan has referred to the order passed by the Supreme Court while hearing a petition filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) to accept Aadhaar as a proof of identity.
The Supreme Court order cited in the letter said, “In view of Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, Aadhaar card is one of the documents listed for the purpose of establishing the identity of a person. Accordingly, we direct the Election Commission and its officers to accept Aadhaar card as proof of identity for the purpose of inclusion or exclusion in the revised electoral rolls of Bihar.”
However, according to the letter, the Supreme Court clarified that the authorities can seek further evidence or documents to verify the authenticity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card like other documents.
In a letter to the Bihar CEO, the ECI secretary said, “In compliance with the Supreme Court’s order dated September 8, Aadhaar card will be considered as the 12th document in addition to the 11 documents. Aadhaar card should be accepted as proof of identity and should not be used as proof of citizenship, as per Section 9 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.”
The senior election officer said that Aadhaar card is already one of the documents listed for the purpose of establishing the identity of a person under Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. “You are directed to bring this to the notice of all DEOS/EROS/AEROs and all other concerned authorities for strict implementation. Any case of non-acceptance or refusal to accept Aadhaar as per this direction will be viewed extremely seriously,” the ECI secretary wrote to the Bihar CEO.
At the very beginning of SIR in the poll bound state of Bihar, the Election Commission of India had clearly stated that its objective is to guarantee inclusion of the names of all eligible citizens in the voter list so that they can exercise their franchise. It is also to ensure that no ineligible voter is included in it.
The Election Commission said that due to various factors including rapid urbanisation, continuous migration, emergence of young citizens eligible to vote, undeclared deaths, and inclusion of names of foreign illegal immigrants, it has become necessary to carry out intensive revision to maintain the integrity and accuracy of the voter lists.
According to the Election Commission, the final voter list will be published on September 30 after settling the claims and objections by September 25. Printed and digital copies of the final voter list will be given free of cost to all recognised political parties and published on their website. The statement said that any voter dissatisfied with any decision of the ERO can appeal to the District Magistrate and Chief Electoral Officer under Section 24 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
