Aadhaar Voter ID for SIR

The Supreme Court of India has recently directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept the Aadhaar Voter ID as a 12th document for identity verification during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

This significant decision comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, aiming to ensure inclusivity in voter registration and prevent genuine voters from being excluded due to strict document requirements.

Context Behind the Supreme Court Order

Earlier, the ECI accepted only 11 documents, including passports, birth certificates, matriculation certificates, and permanent residence certificates, as valid proof for voter registration. Many citizens faced issues when Booth Level Officers (BLOs) refused to accept their documents, leading to concerns of disenfranchisement.

In response to petitions highlighting these irregularities, the Supreme Court order on the Aadhaar Voter ID in Bihar added the Aadhaar card to the list of valid identity documents. The court clarified that while Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, it can serve as valid identity proof for voter registration.

Legal Status of Aadhaar in Electoral Rolls

Under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, the Aadhaar Voter ID is recognized as an official identity document, but it cannot establish citizenship. The Representation of the People Act, 1950, allows documents such as Aadhaar to be used for identity verification in electoral processes. Citizenship determination remains outside the scope of BLOs and must follow constitutional provisions involving the President and ECI.

This distinction ensures that while voters can use Aadhaar Voter ID to establish their identity, the authenticity of citizenship must be verified through other legal procedures.

Role of the Election Commission of India (ECI)

The ECI is responsible for finalizing the electoral rolls and issuing clear guidelines on acceptable documents. With this new directive, Aadhaar for voter ID verification will be officially included in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision voter registration Aadhaar process.

The ECI retains the right to verify the genuineness of Aadhaar cards, just like other documents, by requesting additional proof if needed. This step ensures that fraudulent enrollments are minimized while promoting voter inclusion.

Implications for Voter Inclusion

The inclusion of the Aadhaar Voter ID is expected to benefit those citizens who previously lacked traditional documents for voter registration. Nearly 99.6% of Bihar’s voters have submitted other documents, but the Aadhaar card now offers an alternative for the remaining population.

However, concerns about forged Aadhaar cards remain. To prevent fraud, the Election Commission's Aadhaar verification process will involve thorough checks and cross-verification with other identity documents.

Documents Accepted for Electoral Roll Revision

Before this Supreme Court directive, the ECI accepted the following documents:

• Birth certificates

• Passports

• Matriculation certificates

• Permanent residence certificates

• Forest rights certificates

• Caste certificates

• National Register of Citizens (NRC)

• Family registers

• Land allotment certificates

• Older government-issued documents (pre-1987)

With the new order, Aadhaar Voter ID is now officially recognized as the 12th valid document for electoral roll inclusion.

Ongoing Challenges

Despite the Supreme Court’s directive, some BLOs reportedly continue to reject Aadhaar Voter ID, leading to legal disputes and show-cause notices. The court has scheduled further hearings to monitor compliance and consider petitions seeking nationwide implementation of the Special Intensive Revision voter registration Aadhaar.

Balancing voter inclusion and fraud prevention remains a critical challenge for the ECI. Citizens are advised to ensure they carry valid documents, including an Aadhaar card, when enrolling or updating their voter ID registration in India.

How to Use Aadhaar for Voter ID Registration

For SSC aspirants and voters, understanding the process is essential:

1. Visit the ECI website or local BLO office.

2. Fill out the voter registration form with personal details.

3. Submit a copy of the Aadhaar card along with other supporting documents.

4. ECI verifies the authenticity of the Aadhaar Voter ID.

5. Once approved, the voter is added to the electoral roll, ensuring they can participate in elections.

Steps to link Aadhaar with voter ID in India are also detailed on the official ECI portal, providing step-by-step guidance to ensure smooth registration.

Final Thoughts

The Supreme Court’s directive to accept Aadhaar Voter ID marks a significant step toward inclusive voter registration in India.

While Aadhaar cannot serve as proof of citizenship, it provides a reliable identity verification method for millions of citizens. By adding Aadhaar as the 12th valid document for electoral roll inclusion, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ensures that genuine voters are not excluded due to a lack of traditional documents.

The move also emphasizes the importance of robust verification processes to prevent fraud while promoting accessibility. Despite challenges with some BLOs rejecting Aadhaar, this initiative strengthens the democratic process by reducing voter disenfranchisement.