Bihar Elections: The Election Commission of India (ECI) told the Supreme Court on Monday that Aadhaar, voter ID or ration cards cannot be accepted as proof of voter eligibility. As it continued to defend its ongoing special intensive revision (SIP), the election body told the Supreme Court that its constitutional authority to demand evidence of citizenship.
Furthermore, the poll body argued that its power under Article 324 of the Constitution provides it with plenary authority to supervise and direct all aspects of elections. Although the constitutional mandate empowers the poll body to scrutinise Indian citizenship, failure to do so does not amount to termination of one’s citizenship.
The commission said its powers stem not just from Article 324, but also from Article 326, and Sections 16 and 19 of the Representation of People Act, 1950 (RP Act), which obligate it to ensure that only eligible citizens, who meet the criteria of age, ordinary residence, and Indian citizenship, are included in the rolls.
READ MORE: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns, Who Will Be Next?
Earlier on July 10, the Supreme Court declined to restrain ECI from proceeding with SIR while it was hearing petitions. It stated that the poll body could use the Aadhaar, voter ID, and ration cards for the purpose of updating the rolls. Furthermore, ECI could file a counter-affidavit by July 21 and the matter be listed for another hearing on July 28.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates
Click Here for Chhattisgarh News
Click Here for Entertainment News