SIR row: Aadhaar can’t be singled out, driving license, ration card also fakeable, rules SC

New Delhi: As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, the debate over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process of the electoral roll continues to echo in courts and political circles.

The latest development comes from the Supreme Court, which has dismissed a petition challenging the inclusion of the Aadhaar card as a valid identity document for the revision exercise.

The petition had argued that fake Aadhaar cards could be used to falsely establish citizenship and manipulate the electoral rolls.

However, the bench of Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi categorically rejected this claim, observing that the possibility of forgery is not limited to Aadhaar alone.

What the Supreme Court said

The apex court noted that documents like ration cards, driving licenses, and other identity proofs are equally susceptible to forgery.

“Driving licenses can be fake, ration cards can also be fake. Other documents can also be forged. Aadhaar should be used only to the extent prescribed by law,” the bench observed.

Background of the case

Ahead of the Bihar elections, the Election Commission (EC) had rolled out the SIR process to update and verify electoral rolls.

Initially, the EC recognised 11 documents to prove identity and citizenship for inclusion in the voter list, excluding Aadhaar.

However, on September 8, the Supreme Court ordered the Aadhaar card to be treated as the 12th valid document under the process.

This triggered a fresh round of legal battles, with petitioners contending that Aadhaar cannot be considered proof of citizenship and could open doors to large-scale misuse.

They argued that inclusion of Aadhaar in the SIR list could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.

SC’s stand on Aadhaar

While upholding its earlier order, the Supreme Court clarified that Aadhaar does not automatically confer citizenship, nor is it a standalone proof of nationality. Instead, it should be treated like other permissible identity documents, with checks and balances applied as mandated by law.

Implications for Bihar elections

The dismissal of the petition effectively reaffirms Aadhaar’s place in the SIR process, potentially impacting thousands of applicants seeking inclusion or correction in the voter rolls.

With elections around the corner, the judgment also strengthens the Election Commission’s framework for document verification, though the larger debate over Aadhaar’s role in citizenship and voting rights is expected to persist.