Supreme Court urges ECI to widen acceptable documents for voter ID in Bihar's electoral roll revision
The Supreme Court observed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) should consider including Aadhaar, the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), and ration cards as acceptable documents for identity verification during Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Court criticized the ECI's restrictive list of 11 documents, stating that the entire exercise is about identity, not citizenship, and questioned the exclusion of Aadhaar. The Court reiterated that the ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to facilitate democratic participation, not create obstacles, emphasizing the 'right to vote' as fundamental to democracy.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court has urged the ECI to expand the list of acceptable documents for voter identity verification, including Aadhaar and ration cards.
- The Court highlighted that the electoral roll revision (SIR) is primarily for identity verification, not citizenship proof.
- The ECI's mandate under Article 324 is to ensure democratic participation, not to create barriers to voting.
- The 'right to vote' is considered fundamental to the roots of Indian democracy, even if legally a statutory right.
Exam Facts
- Supreme Court observations on Bihar's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- Article 324 of the Constitution defines the ECI's mandate.
- Aadhaar, Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC), and ration cards suggested as acceptable documents.
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