Today, On 14th August, In the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) case, the Supreme Court announced that individuals whose names were removed from the voter lists can now use their Aadhaar cards to challenge and restore their names effectively.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court announced today during Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) case, that individuals whose names have been removed from the state’s voter lists can use their Aadhaar cards to contest this deletion.
Previously, the Election Commission had resisted accepting Aadhaar as valid, arguing that while it serves as proof of identity, it does not confirm citizenship.
A bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi resumed hearing pleas that challenge the ECI’s decision on June 24 to conduct a special intensive revision (SIR) in the state.
It remains uncertain whether Aadhaar will be accepted for Special Intensive Revision processes in other states. Currently, it is an option for those in Bihar whose names have been struck from the voter list in the lead-up to elections.
In its interim order, the bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the Election Commission to publicly disclose the list of 65 lakh names removed from the voter rolls following the SIR, along with the reasons for their deletion.
The court emphasized that these lists must be advertised, allowing individuals to approach the Election Commission for corrections.
While delivering the order, Justice Kant stated,
“Aggrieved persons may submit their claims along with a copy of their Aadhaar cards,”
Although Aadhaar was not included in the 11 documents approved by the Election Commission for the review of voter lists, petitioners contended that its exclusion would disadvantage many, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the Association for Democratic Reforms, informed the media,
“The court has directed the Election Commission to advertise that they are going to accept the Aadhaar card in addition to the 11 documents they have specified.”
Senior Advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi had previously highlighted the omission of Aadhaar from the list of eligible documents. The court referenced Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, which clarifies that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship.
During the hearing, Justice Bagchi remarked that Aadhaar is a legally recognized document for establishing identity and residence.
When Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan noted that the Election Commission is accepting Aadhaar, Justice Bagchi responded,
“No, no they have to.”
Justice Kant added,
“It is a statutory obligation. It has to be there.”
In its interim order, the bench stated,
“We have briefly heard the Election Commission of India. During the course of hearing, the following steps are agreed: ECI will, as interim measure, take following steps: list of 65 lakhs voters whose names appeared in 2025 list but are not included in the draft list shall be displayed on the district level websites.”
This list must specify the reasons for removal from the draft roll.
The order stated,
“Wide publicity shall be given in vernacular language newspapers which has maximum circulation, and it must be broadcast and telecast on Doordarshan and other channels. The district election officer, if they have a social media handle, shall display the notice there as well,”
The court also mentioned that this list should be searchable, allowing individuals to access it using their EPIC numbers.
The case is scheduled for a follow-up hearing on August 22.
Case Title: ASSOCIATION FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS AND ORS. Versus ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA, W.P.(C) No. 640/2025 (and connected cases)