By adbnu564 
Opposition parties on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows excluded voters in Bihar to apply for inclusion in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls through Aadhaar or any of the 11 prescribed documents. The decision comes as a significant relief for voters in poll-bound Bihar, ensuring a more inclusive and transparent process.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh strongly criticised the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing it of obstructing voter participation. “So far, the ECI’s approach has been obstructionist and contrary to the interests of voters. We welcome this judgment especially because it gives us an enforceable right which the ECI cannot ignore. Today, the ECI stands totally exposed and discredited,” he stated.
He further emphasised that democracy had survived what he described as “a brutal assault from the Election Commission.” He added that the Supreme Court had reaffirmed Aadhaar as a valid identification for voter inclusion and set crucial guardrails by ensuring political parties are part of the revision process.
The Supreme Court’s direction is expected to boost confidence among voters, making the revision exercise more accountable and inclusive, while also placing greater scrutiny on the role of the ECI in upholding democratic rights.