Bihar: Election Commission Tells SC Aadhaar Optional for Voter Claims

Fast Summary:

• Election Commission of India (ECI) Update: The ECI informed the Supreme Court that voters excluded from Bihar’s draft electoral roll can submit Aadhaar cards as proof of identity and residence.
• Status Report Submission: ECI submitted a report following the Supreme Court’s order on publishing a booth-wise list of approximately 65 lakh voters missing from the draft roll during Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
• Openness Measures: Names and reasons for non-inclusion, including death, relocation, or duplicate entries, have been posted online by District Electoral Officers in Bihar. Physical lists are also accessible at panchayat bhavans and block advancement offices.
• media Outreach Effort: Advertisements regarding online availability were issued thru newspapers, radio broadcasts, television programs, and social media platforms.
• Court orders Transparency: The Supreme Court emphasized voters’ “right to know” to ensure confidence in democratic processes. This includes transparent publication of excluded names with reasons.
• Aadhaar Acceptance Formalized: For the first time in this exercise following an official directive from the court, Aadhaar can be used for identification purposes to reassert voter claims.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar represents a notable effort to refine electoral rolls ahead of state elections while ensuring transparency under judicial oversight. The removal of 65 lakh names raises critical questions about procedural accuracy given their inclusion mere months ago during January’s summary revision.

The use of Aadhaar cards is noteworthy due to its statutory recognition as proof but may stir debates around legal precedents concerning privacy and voter authentication systems at large.

ECI’s public disclosure initiative-utilizing both digital platforms and physical copies-demonstrates an attempt at inclusivity; however, whether such measures sufficiently address grievances within affected communities remains uncertain until further review occurs after August 22 hearings.

Read more: The Hindu