Include Aadhaar, ensure inclusion not exclusion: SC tells ECI on Bihar

The Supreme Court on Monday advised the Election Commission of India (ECI) to include Aadhaar as an acceptable document in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the exclusion of Aadhaar and the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from the list of valid documents.

“Any document can be forged. But this is not about that—this is about avoiding mass exclusion. It should be about mass inclusion. Please include Aadhaar,” the Bench remarked.

The court was hearing petitions filed against the ECI’s June 24 directive initiating the SIR process ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The petitioners argued that the move violates key constitutional rights under Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, and 326, and fails to follow procedures under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

The ECI, however, defended its decision, stating that it has the authority under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to carry out such revisions.

The matter remains under judicial consideration as the apex court emphasizes the importance of broad and fair voter inclusion in the democratic process.