SCOI Directs ECI to Accept Aadhaar as Proof of Identity for Bihar S.I.R

In a significant ruling with major implications for voter registration in India, the Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to accept the Aadhaar card as a valid proof of identity for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

This decision, handed down on September 8, 2025, designates Aadhaar as the "12th document" that can be submitted as stand-alone proof of identity for voter registration, placing it alongside the 11 documents previously specified by the ECI.

The Court, however, took great care to explicitly clarify that while Aadhaar can be used to establish identity and residence, it does not constitute proof of citizenship, a crucial distinction that aligns with the Aadhaar Act, 2016, which states that Aadhaar cannot confer any right of citizenship.

The ruling also empowers the ECI to verify the authenticity and genuineness of Aadhaar cards to prevent the use of forged documents, thereby balancing voter inclusivity for marginalized groups who often rely on Aadhaar as their only valid ID with the need to safeguard electoral integrity against fraudulent registrations.

This directive, which came after petitions alleged that ECI officials were refusing to accept Aadhaar cards, is seen as a precedent-setting move for future electoral processes across the country. For more in-depth coverage, you can read the original article on

Source: The Federal.