SC’s Strong Warning to Election Commission
New Delhi: The Supreme Court (SC) of India issued a strong warning to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, stating that it will annul the entire Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Bihar if the laws and rules were not properly followed. The final arguments will be heard on October 7, with the verdict expected to have pan-India implications for future voter revision exercises.
SC: Aadhaar Accepted as Valid Identity Proof
In a landmark ruling earlier, the Supreme Court directed the ECI to accept Aadhaar Card as the 12th valid document for identifying voters left out of the electoral rolls during the revision process. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, clarified that although Aadhaar does not establish citizenship, it is a legitimate document for proof of identity and residence.
Election Commission’s Stand and Opposition Backlash
In July, the ECI had submitted an affidavit opposing the inclusion of Aadhaar, Voter ID, and Ration Card as valid proofs. The commission argued that fake ration cards are rampant, Aadhaar is not foolproof, and that relying solely on existing voter ID was essential to maintain credibility.
However, political parties such as Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) condemned the SIR exercise, calling it “vote chori” (vote theft) ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. The ECI fired back, calling such statements an insult to the Constitution and democratic institutions.
CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Firm Stand
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar accused political parties of using the poll body as a “political prop.” He also dismissed claims of widespread double voting, underlining that no evidence had been provided to back such accusations.
