Sansad TV

Perspective: Electoral Reforms: The Road Ahead | 08 September, 2025

Sansad Tv

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to accept Aadhaar as the 12th prescribed document for establishing the identity of voters in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar. At present, the Special Intensive Revision exercise in Bihar allows voters to submit 11 types of identity documents along with their enumeration forms. A two-judge Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi directed that while the Aadhaar card shall be treated as the 12th document by the Election Commission of India, it is open for the authorities to examine the validity and genuineness of the Aadhaar card itself. It is clarified that Aadhaar will not be treated as a proof of citizenship. SIR has become a major political flashpoint ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. The development comes just as the Election Commission is preparing to host its conference of Chief Electoral Officers on September 10th, to review the countrywide rollout of the Special Intensive Revision, an exercise that lies at the very core of India’s democratic process. The objective is clear — to clean up and update electoral rolls, eliminate errors, and ensure that every eligible voter has a fair chance to participate. On the programme today, we discuss, Why a nationwide SIR is critical to strengthening the foundation of our democracy. How technology and digital verification can help build more credible voter rolls. And what further electoral reforms are needed to enhance transparency, inclusivity, and fairness in Indian elections.

Guests:

1.Akshay Rout, Former DG, Election Commission of India