The Election Commission (EC) has announced significant discrepancies within the voter list of Bihar, discovered during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The EC disclosed that the review has identified approximately 18 lakh deceased voters, 26 lakh individuals who have shifted to different constituencies, and about 7 lakh voters registered at multiple locations.
This information has emerged amidst serious questions raised by the Supreme Court and opposition regarding the SIR process. The Commission has defended the SIR initiative, asserting its objective is to ensure the electoral process is accurate and remove ineligible voters.
In its official statement, the Commission emphasized the SIR process ensures electoral integrity by eliminating those who do not meet the eligibility standards to become voters. The right to vote is based on meeting specific requirements, such as citizenship, age, and residence, as per Article 326 of the Constitution and related sections of the Representation of the People Act. The EC also pointed out that those deemed ineligible to vote cannot claim a violation of Articles 19 and 21 on this basis.
The Commission also mentioned that documents like Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards are currently used for identity verification during the SIR.
The Election Commission was reacting to a petition challenging the June 24 order, which started the SIR of the voter list in Bihar and potentially for the rest of the country.
The EC also clarified that including the Aadhaar number in the nomination form is entirely voluntary, and such information is used solely for identity verification, adhering to 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, mandated that Aadhaar, voter ID and ration cards be recognized as valid identity documents throughout the ongoing SIR in Bihar. The state will be holding assembly elections later this year. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for July 28.