Supreme Court Suggests Aadhaar for Bihar Voter Roll
On July 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of India allowed the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar to continue, while asking the Election Commission of India (ECI) to consider Aadhaar, Voter ID (EPIC), and ration cards as valid documents for identity verification.
The court, comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, noted that the current list of 11 approved documents is not exhaustive. In the interest of justice, they directed the ECI to consider adding widely used identity proofs such as Aadhaar, especially when the exercise is centered on verifying identity rather than citizenship.
The ECI, however, contended that Aadhaar cannot be treated as proof of citizenship, as it is issued even to non-citizens who reside in India. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi emphasized that Aadhaar’s use should remain discretionary. Justice Dhulia responded, stating, “Aadhaar is the basis for many other essential documents, and its exclusion is questionable.”
Petitioners, including senior advocates Kapil Sibal and A.M. Singhvi, criticized the process, calling it a veiled attempt at “citizenship screening” that may disenfranchise millions, especially vulnerable groups. They cited a Bihar government survey showing that 87% of residents have Aadhaar, but only 14% hold matric certificates and just 2% have passports.
The court questioned the ECI’s timing and speed of the revision process, and whether citizens had sufficient time and a fair mechanism to appeal if excluded. The next hearing is scheduled for July 28, ahead of the publication of the draft roll.
