Is Aadhaar Being Used to Modify Voter Lists? ECI Clarifies to SC
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Synopsis
In a recent affidavit, the Election Commission of India clarified to the Supreme Court that the Aadhaar card is exclusively for identity verification in the voter registration process, and not as proof of citizenship or for modifying the voter list. This statement aims to clear any misconceptions regarding the role of Aadhaar in electoral processes.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar is solely for identity verification in electoral rolls.
- It cannot be used to modify the voter list.
- The Supreme Court clarified its use in identity confirmation.
- Legal frameworks restrict Aadhaar's role in citizenship proof.
- ECI issued instructions to ensure compliance with these guidelines.
New Delhi, Nov 15 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Supreme Court that the Aadhaar card is solely utilized for verifying the identity of individuals applying for inclusion in electoral rolls, and is not used as proof of citizenship or for adding or removing names from the voter list, according to a lawyer's statement on Saturday.
In an affidavit submitted to the Apex Court, the electoral body clarified that it has issued guidelines to officials indicating that the Aadhaar card should not serve as a basis for modifying the voter list as stipulated in Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act.
The ECI emphasized that the Aadhaar card is exclusively employed to confirm a person's identity during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
"The Aadhaar card does not serve as proof of citizenship," declared the ECI in its affidavit presented on Friday for review by a bench led by Justice Surya Kant, which is currently addressing the SIR issue.
The Commission asserted that the inclusion or exclusion of a person's name from the voter list cannot be justified solely based on the existence or absence of an Aadhaar card.
The Supreme Court, in its order dated September 8, clarified that the Aadhaar card could be utilized to confirm identity.
"Following this, the ECI has directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar that the Aadhaar card should only be used for identification and should not be recognized as proof of citizenship according to Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, nor should it be utilized for changes in the voter list as per Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act," the affidavit stated.
The Commission further referenced UIDAI's Office Memorandum (O.M.) from August 22, 2023, which clarified that Aadhaar does not constitute proof of citizenship, residence, or date of birth.
Additionally, it pointed to Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act 2016, which clarifies that the Aadhaar number is not proof of citizenship or residency.
Previously, in response to the Court's directive, the ECI issued instructions on September 9 to all Chief Electoral Officers regarding the use of the Aadhaar Card strictly for identity verification and not as proof of citizenship concerning Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and Section 23(4) of the RP Act, 1950 in relation to the revised voter list of Bihar.
In response to a petitioner's request for directives to limit the use of Aadhaar solely for identity verification and to prevent its use as proof of date of birth in Form-6 applications, the ECI affirmed that the legal framework already restricts Aadhaar to identity purposes, aligning its instructions with the statutory provisions under the 1950 Act and the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
Point of View
It is vital to approach the recent clarification from the Election Commission with an objective lens. The differentiation between identity verification and proof of citizenship is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our electoral processes. The ECI's stance reinforces the importance of ensuring that Aadhaar serves its intended purpose without overstepping legal boundaries.
NationPress
15/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Aadhaar be used as proof of citizenship?
No, the Election Commission clarifies that Aadhaar is not considered proof of citizenship.
Is Aadhaar necessary for voter registration?
Aadhaar is used for identity verification, but it is not mandatory for voter registration.
What does the ECI say about modifying the voter list?
The ECI states that Aadhaar should not be used as a basis for adding or deleting names from the voter list.
What is the significance of the Supreme Court's statement regarding Aadhaar?
The Supreme Court clarified that Aadhaar can be used for establishing identity but not for citizenship proof.
What legal frameworks govern the use of Aadhaar in elections?
The use of Aadhaar is governed by the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
