The Election Commission of India (EC) disclosed on Tuesday significant irregularities found within the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process currently underway in Bihar. The Commission reported that approximately 18 lakh deceased voters, 26 lakh individuals who have relocated to other constituencies, and around 7 lakh voters registered at multiple locations have been identified.
This revelation surfaces amid mounting scrutiny from the Supreme Court and opposition parties concerning the SIR process. The EC has defended the exercise, stating its objective is to rectify the electoral rolls by removing ineligible voters.
In its affidavit, the Commission emphasized that the SIR process aims to ensure election transparency by removing those who don’t meet voter eligibility criteria. The right to vote is contingent upon meeting specific requirements like citizenship, age, and residency, as outlined in Article 326 of the Constitution and relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act. The EC maintains that ineligible individuals cannot claim a violation of Articles 19 and 21.
The Commission also highlighted that documents such as Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are being utilized for identity verification during the SIR process.
The Election Commission’s response came in relation to a petition filed against the June 24 order, which initiated the SIR of voter lists in Bihar with a potential for nationwide implementation.
The EC clarified that providing an Aadhaar number in the nomination form is voluntary and is only used for identity verification purposes, as per Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
The Supreme Court, on July 10, instructed the recognition of Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards as valid identity proofs during the ongoing SIR process in Bihar, which is preparing for assembly elections later this year. The next court hearing on this matter is scheduled for July 28.