The Supreme Court has ruled that Aadhaar may be used as a valid document during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process first undertaken in Bihar and now set to guide similar drives across the country.
At the same time, the court clarified that Aadhaar is not proof of Indian citizenship. 
This means the Election Commission of India (ECI) can accept it as an identification document but must still verify whether an applicant is eligible to vote.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, addressing state electoral officers on Wednesday, said the aim of the SIR is straightforward: to ensure only Indian citizens aged 18 and above are enrolled, and to prevent individuals from being registered at multiple locations.
&ldquo;Aadhaar may be produced, but it cannot by itself establish citizenship. The Commission retains the authority to conduct inquiries wherever necessary,&rdquo; Kumar explained.
By making Aadhaar&rsquo;s use uniform nationwide, the ECI expects to simplify voter verification and reduce duplication. 
However, final safeguards against non-citizens entering the rolls will depend on additional checks beyond Aadhaar.

Supreme Court allows Aadhaar for voter verification

SC allows Aadhaar for voter roll checks, but clarifies it cannot prove Indian citizenship

SC: Aadhaar Valid For Voter Rolls, Not Citizenship

SC allows Aadhaar for voter roll checks, but clarifies it cannot prove Indian citizenship

September 12, 2025 | 15:49 IST