The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the Election Commission must accept Aadhaar as a valid document, delivering the decision during the ongoing hearing on the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.
While hearing a plea on the Bihar SIR, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to accept 11 specified documents, including the Aadhaar card, emphasizing that the entire exercise should be voter-friendly. The Court also allowed the online submission of claims for deleted voters using an Aadhaar card or any other acceptable documents for Bihar SIR.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed the 12 recognized political parties in Bihar to ensure that their Booth Level Agents assist voters at their respective booths in submitting the necessary forms.
SC Order On August 14
On August 14, the Court concluded the arguments of the petitioners and then heard the Election Commission. After considering both the arguments, the Court directed the Election Commission to publish district-wise lists of around 65 lakh voters who were left out of the draft voter list after the SIR process on the websites of the District Election Officers. The Court also stressed that the reasons for deletion, such as death, migration, or duplicate registration, should be clearly stated.
Additionally, the Court ordered that this information be made available on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar and the documents should be searchable using EPIC numbers. The Court also directed the Election Commission to mention in a public notice that voters claiming to be included in the final list can submit their Aadhaar cards. The Court stressed that wide publicity should be given through newspapers, electronic media and social media regarding the publication of the list on the website.
ECI Takes Action After SC’s Order
On August 18, the Election Commission published the list of 65 lakh names removed from the state’s electoral rolls after the Special Intensive Revision.Â
85,000 Applications Received For Inclusion Or Deletion Of Names In Draft Rolls
ECI has so far received 85,000 applications have been received from voters in Bihar for inclusion or deletion of names in the draft rolls; only two objections have come from political parties. The claims and objections window, opened on August 1, will remain active till September 1.