The Supreme Court has ordered that people of Bihar can use Aadhaar as an identity card to register their names in the voter list. The court also said that Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship.
Aadhaar Card: Assembly elections are to be held in Bihar. Earlier, the voter list is being rectified by the Election Commission. Due to this, the Supreme Court gave a big order on Monday amid the ongoing dispute. The court clarified that the people of Bihar can use the Aadhaar card to prove their identity. It should be accepted as a document required for voter verification. With this help, people can get their names added to the voter list or get them out.
The Supreme Court ordered the Election Commission that Aadhaar should be considered as 12th document in the list of acceptable identity evidences under the voter registration structure. This inclusion is in line with the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. This allows the use of various documents to establish the identity of voters.
Aadhaar card is not proof of being a citizen of India
The Supreme Court underlined a clear legal difference between identity and citizenship. The court said that Aadhaar card may be used to establish identity, but it cannot be used as evidence of Indian citizenship. Citing the Aadhaar Act and related statutory provisions, the Supreme Court said, “We clarify that Aadhaar card is not a proof of citizenship. It will not be accepted as evidence of citizenship.”
Election Commission should issue instructions regarding Aadhaar card
Officers involved in the voter registration process will be free to verify the reality of the Aadhaar card. They also do this with any other identity document. The court said,
The Aadhaar card will be considered as the 12th document by the authorities. Whether the Aadhaar card is correct or not, the officer can investigate. It will not be accepted as evidence of citizenship. The Election Commission will issue instructions in this regard today.
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During the proceedings in the Supreme Court, ECI (Election Commission of India) confirmed through its lawyer that Aadhaar would be considered valid as per legal provisions.