SC Questions Timing of Voter Drive

Asks ECI to allow Aadhaar, ration card as ID proof

New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday declined to interfere with the Election Com mission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise underway in Bihar, but raised questions about its timing, observ ing the mammoth drive is too close to the impending state elections.

“We have serious doubts whether you can meet the timeline,” observed the bench of justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi that was hearing petitions challenging the SIR process. The bench also asked ECI to consider Aadhaar card, its own voter ID card and ration card as one of the documents to verify the identity of the voter before including his/her name in its draft electoral roll to be published on 1 August.

These documents are not mentioned in the list of 11 valid official papers, which the ECI has sought from Bihar residents to include their names in the draft voter roll. Through an order issued on 24 June the ECI had an nounced its decision to start the SIR in Bihar. This declaration requires Bihar residents to fill-up a form and to provide one of the 11 supporting documents enumerated in the list published along with the order.

However, Aadhaar card, voter ID and ration card, besides the PAN card, do not find a place in this list. Omission of these crucial documents has raised concern among the voters. This SIR in Bihar is being undertaken despite the annual summary revi sion of rolls. The last intensive revision happened in 2003. As per the 24 June order, electors whose names figured in the 2003 roll do not have to supply the documents, but have to mandatorily fill up the form.

However, those who became eligible voters would have to adhere to the rule of giving one sup porting document. During the hearing Thursday ECI counsel senior advocate Rajesh Dwivedi clarified that the list of documents to be considered is not exhaustive.

Hence, the court in its order remarked: “…in our opinion it would be in the interest of justice if the ECI also considers the follow ing three documents – the Aadhaar card, EC voter ID card and the ration card.” (Agencies)