• The Supreme Court of India has directed the Election Commission (EC) to accept Aadhaar as the 12th valid document for voter identity verification during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
• The order seeks to prevent disenfranchisement caused by strict documentation requirements ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
• The court clarified that while Aadhaar can be used for identity verification, it does not serve as proof of citizenship. Citizenship determination, the bench stressed, lies beyond the scope of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and is governed by constitutional provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• Previously, the EC permitted 11 documents for voter verification. Following petitions highlighting irregularities and refusals by BLOs to accept Aadhaar, the court added it to the list to ensure inclusivity.
• The EC retains authority to verify Aadhaar’s authenticity and may seek additional proof if necessary.
• The decision requires the EC to update its guidelines to incorporate Aadhaar and address notices issued against officials who had earlier accepted Aadhaar during voter verification.
• The move is seen as a step toward balancing inclusivity with electoral integrity.