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Key Points

The Supreme Court observed that expanding acceptable ID documents for Bihar’s electoral roll revision makes the process more voter-friendly. Critics, however, argue that excluding Aadhaar disproportionately affects rural and marginalised voters. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi dismissed the new list as unreliable, citing low coverage of some documents. Petitions by RJD, ADR, and activists challenge the ECI’s directive as exclusionary.

Key Points: SC Calls Bihar Voter ID Expansion More Inclusive Than 7 Documents

  • SC approves expanded ID list for Bihar electoral revision
  • Critics argue Aadhaar exclusion harms rural voters
  • Petitions challenge ECI’s proof-of-citizenship mandate
  • Senior advocate Singhvi calls document list a "house of cards"
2 min read

More voter-friendly: SC observes 11 ID documents better than 7 for Bihar SIR exercise

Supreme Court notes 11 ID options for Bihar electoral rolls as voter-friendly, while critics call it exclusionary for marginalised groups.

"They have expanded the number of documents. It is now 11 instead of seven, by which you can identify yourself as a citizen – Justice Joymalya Bagchi"

New Delhi, August 13

The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that the Election Commission of India's (ECI) move to expand the list of documents acceptable as proof of citizenship from seven to eleven for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, makes the process more voter-friendly.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said that asking for only one document would be anti-voter, but allowing multiple options benefits electors.

"They have expanded the number of documents. It is now 11 instead of seven, by which you can identify yourself as a citizen," noted Justice Bagchi.

However, Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi criticised the list and termed it "nothing but a house of cards".

He contended that several of the new documents, such as passports, land records, or residents' proof, had negligible coverage in Bihar and emphasised that Aadhaar had the highest reach, but was not being accepted as conclusive proof.

The hearing will continue on Thursday on a batch of petitions challenging the poll panel's move to conduct SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar.

The petitions challenging the ECI decision were filed by RJD MP Manoj Jha, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), PUCL, activist Yogendra Yadav, Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, and former Bihar MLA Mujahid Alam.

The petitions sought direction to quash the ECI's June 24 directive that requires large sections of voters in Bihar to submit proof of citizenship to remain on the electoral rolls.

The petitions also raised concerns over the exclusion of widely held documents like Aadhaar and ration cards, stating that this would disproportionately affect the poor and marginalised voters, especially in rural Bihar.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
While more documents are good, why exclude Aadhaar which has maximum penetration? Rural poor often don't have passports or land records. ECI should reconsider this exclusion.
A
Aman W
This is just political drama before Bihar elections. All parties want to manipulate voter lists in their favor. SC should ensure complete transparency in the revision process.
P
Priyanka N
As someone from rural Bihar, I can say land records are very difficult to obtain. They take months and require bribes. Aadhaar would be much simpler for most villagers like us.
V
Vikram M
The court is right - multiple options prevent exclusion. But ECI must ensure proper verification of all documents to prevent fake voters. Balance is needed.
K
Kavya N
Why is there so much focus only on Bihar? Electoral reforms should be uniform across India. This selective approach creates confusion and doubts about motives.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how India balances voter inclusion with election integrity. In Western countries, voter ID requirements are often controversial too. Hope Bihar finds the right solution.

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