Supreme Court Allows Aadhaar as 12th Document in Bihar SIR
Why in the news
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to accept Aadhaar as a 12th document for verifying identity during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
Key facts
- The EC had initially accepted only 11 documents, such as birth certificates, passports, matriculation certificates and caste certificates.
- The Court clarified that Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, only of identity.
- The Representation of the People Act, 1950 permits documents like Aadhaar for identity, but not for confirming citizenship.
- Deciding citizenship is beyond the authority of Booth Level Officers.
Concerns behind the order
The ruling addressed worries that voters could lose their names from the rolls. It also took note that some officials continued to turn down Aadhaar even after the direction.
About the SIR
The Special Intensive Revision is the Election Commission’s exercise to verify and revise electoral rolls in Bihar; the EC had initially listed 11 documents for this.
Exam angle
- Number to remember: Aadhaar became the 12th accepted document.
- Aadhaar proves identity, not citizenship or domicile.
- The RP Act, 1950 allows identity documents like Aadhaar but not confirmation of citizenship.