GS 2 – GOVERNANCE
Context:
On September 8, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission (EC) to include Aadhaar as the 12th “indicative” document for the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. This decision comes during the special intensive revision exercise ahead of elections.
Key Highlights
- Supreme Court Order:
- Aadhaar can be used only as identity proof, not as proof of citizenship.
- The EC must instruct Bihar officials to accept Aadhaar for filing claims or objections during electoral roll revision.
- The court clarified that other documents such as passport, birth certificate, and others will also remain valid.
- Why It Matters:
- This decision addresses the problem where Booth Level Officers (BLOs) earlier refused to accept Aadhaar, creating difficulties for voters.
- Bihar’s electoral revision process covers approximately 65 lakh voters.
- Deadline for filing claims and objections is September 2, 2025, extended beyond earlier deadlines.
- Legal Standpoint:
- Petitioners argued that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
- Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned why Aadhaar should not be accepted when it is already widely used for other services.
- EC’s Responsibility:
- EC must verify the authenticity of submitted Aadhaar documents.
- Aadhaar inclusion aims to reduce fraudulent entries in voter lists.