Bihar’s Electoral Roll Update: Supreme Court gives Directives to EC

NEW DELHI: There are two documents to consider. The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC). They asked them to “consider” Aadhaar. The elector’s photo identity card (EPIC) is to be considered. This is for the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral roll. These details are already being sought or come pre-filled in the enumeration form distributed to the state’s 7.9 crore voters on June 24.

EC is, thus, already collecting Aadhaar details. Furnishing Aadhaar is optional for the elector. The EPIC number is pre-printed in the enumeration forms. This is shown by examining the form. The form is reproduced on Page 16 of the SIR instructions dated June 24, 2025. However, Aadhaar has not been included in the “indicative” list of documents to be submitted during SIR. The text on the card’s back states that Aadhaar is a proof of identity. The guidelines of the UIDAI also highlight this fact. It is not a proof of citizenship.

Electoral registration officers (EROs) can rely on field inquiry or any alternative proof. The list specified by EC is only “indicative and not exhaustive.” They establish if an elector fulfills the eligibility criteria laid down under Article 326 of the Constitution. The elector should be a citizen of India. They must be not less than 18 years old. They should be ordinarily resident of the constituency where they wish to enroll.

Also read: Bihar Electoral Roll Revision Causes Uproar

Updating Enumeration Forms

On Thursday, EC had finished collecting over 66% of enumeration forms, accounting for one-third of the state’s 7.9 crore electorate. EC officials said the exercise is progressing smoothly in Bihar. Electors, booth level officers, booth level agents appointed by political parties, and volunteers are fully involved.

Around 4.9 crore of Bihar’s 7.9 crore electors were on the state’s 2003 electoral roll. They only need to submit enumeration forms by July 25. No documents are required. Those who are not in the 2003 roll must submit enumeration details. They must also provide a declaration regarding the status of their citizenship. Documentary proof is required. It depends on their date of birth. It also depends on the relevant provisions of the Citizenship Act in force at the time of their birth.

EC took care to include only papers issued to Indian citizens. This happened while listing the 11 ‘indicative’ documents to prove one’s date and place of birth. These documents could be a govt identity card or pension payment order. They might also include a birth certificate. A passport or permanent residence certificate might list Aadhaar as one of the required documents. Additionally, forest rights and caste certificates issued exclusively to Indian citizens after due diligence are included. Any land or house allotment certificate by the govt is also considered.

The matriculation certificate does not mention the elector’s place of birth. An ERO can conduct his own field inquiry. He can also consider other documents while deciding on the applicant’s eligibility for enrolment.

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