ECI Informs SC: Aadhaar, EPIC, Ration Cards Not Sole Voter Eligibility Proof in India
In a significant development concerning electoral processes, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed the Supreme Court that documents like Aadhaar, Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), and ration cards are not standalone proof for voter eligibility. This pivotal stance comes via an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, in response to petitions challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in Bihar.
ECI’s Stance on Voter Eligibility Proof in India
The ECI’s submission makes it clear: while these documents serve various purposes, they are not deemed sufficient as the sole evidence to establish an individual’s right to vote. The Commission’s position underscores the stringent verification process it believes is necessary for maintaining the purity and accuracy of electoral rolls, especially during a comprehensive revision exercise like the SIR in Bihar.
Why These Documents Fall Short: ECI’s Arguments
The Election Commission meticulously outlined its reasons for not accepting these commonly used documents as definitive proof of voter eligibility:
- Aadhaar’s Limitations: The ECI emphasized that Aadhaar is primarily a proof of identity and not a conclusive proof of citizenship or eligibility to vote. The Aadhaar Act itself clarifies that it does not confer citizenship rights. Furthermore, the ECI cited constitutional restrictions (under Article 326) on using Aadhaar for voter verification.
- EPIC’s Role: The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), commonly known as a voter ID card, is a “by-product of an earlier electoral roll,” according to the ECI. Using an old EPIC as the sole basis for fresh verification, especially in a de-novo (fresh) revision process, would undermine the entire purpose of ensuring accurate and current voter rolls.
- Ration Card Concerns: The ECI expressed significant concerns regarding the authenticity of ration cards, citing the widespread existence of counterfeit versions. This pervasive issue severely compromises their reliability as a legitimate document for establishing voter eligibility.
The Larger Context of Voter Eligibility Proof in India
The ECI’s affidavit directly addresses petitions filed by various opposition parties, NGOs, and Bihar residents. These petitions had raised concerns about the legality and potential disenfranchisement stemming from the SIR exercise. Notably, the Supreme Court had earlier suggested that the ECI consider Aadhaar, voter IDs, and ration cards as acceptable proofs. However, the ECI’s latest affidavit appears to reject their standalone acceptance, though it maintains that its current list of 11 accepted documents for SIR is “illustrative and not exhaustive.”
The ECI also clarified a critical point: exclusion from the electoral roll due to ineligibility under the SIR exercise does not lead to the termination of an individual’s citizenship. It strongly asserted its constitutional authority under Article 324, which grants it the power to supervise and direct all aspects of elections, including electoral roll preparation, and to demand evidence of citizenship as prescribed by Article 326.
The matter continues to be heard in the Supreme Court, with the next hearing scheduled for July 28. This ongoing legal deliberation highlights the critical balance between ensuring electoral purity and safeguarding every eligible citizen’s right to vote.