Congress welcomes Supreme Court’s suggestion to allow Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards in Bihar voter roll revision. Party says it’s a big win for democratic verification.
New Delhi: Today, on July 10, the Supreme Court of India gave a significant suggestion during a hearing related to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar. The Court stated that Aadhaar cards, voter-ID cards, and ration cards should be allowed for verification of voters during this exercise.
This suggestion was welcomed by the Congress party, which called it a much-needed “relief for democracy”.
Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal reacted positively to the apex court’s observations, stating that the matter will come up again later this month.
“Basically, it is a relief for democracy. The case is again fixed for the 28th of this month,”
he said while addressing reporters.
He further added that the Supreme Court’s suggestion itself sends a strong message about the importance of multiple ID options during voter verification.
Mr. Venugopal said,
“That itself is the biggest thing coming from the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has given its view through that to ensure that Aadhaar cards, ration cards and election-ID cards should be part of a verification process in a democratic set up. I think the EC will go with that suggestion of the Supreme Court. Let us wait for that,”
During the hearing, a bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi permitted the Election Commission (EC) to continue with its ongoing revision of the electoral rolls, terming it a “constitutional mandate.”
However, the judges raised concerns regarding the timing of the exercise.
The bench also expressed its early opinion on allowing various identification documents during this process.
The judges said,
“We are of the prima facie view that Aadhaar cards, voter-ID cards and ration cards be allowed in the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls,”
The Court noted that none of the petitioners, including leaders from 10 opposition parties who had approached the court, had sought an immediate halt or stay on the EC’s voter list revision.
Taking this into account, the Court asked the EC to submit its formal reply to the petitions by July 21. Petitioners can then file rejoinders by July 28, the same date when the case is next scheduled to be heard.
Emphasizing the constitutional nature of the electoral roll revision process, the Court clarified that it was not doubting the intentions or integrity of the Election Commission.
However, the judges underlined that the timing of the exercise had raised certain questions.
The bench remarked:
“We are not doubting the EC’s credentials and sincerity in doing the exercise, which was a constitutional mandate, but the timing of the process is raising doubts.”
This development comes at a time when opposition parties have voiced concerns about the voter roll revision process in Bihar.
With the Supreme Court’s remarks now on record and a clear indication for the EC to consider the use of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards, the matter holds significant implications for future elections and the overall transparency of India’s democratic process.
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