Aadhaar not proof of birth, residence, or citizenship: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has clarified that, in line with Supreme Court rulings and the Aadhaar Act, an Aadhaar card cannot be treated as proof of date of birth, residence, or citizenship.

Speaking on the optional use of Aadhaar in voter enumeration, Kumar said, “Providing an Aadhaar number is entirely voluntary under both the Aadhaar Act, which governs the issuance and use of Aadhaar for identity verification, and Section 26 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which outlines procedures for preparing and maintaining electoral rolls. The Election Commission may request it in the enumeration form, but it is not mandatory. Other documents may be required to establish eligibility, as per the Supreme Court orders.”

He added that even Aadhaar cards issued or downloaded after 2023 are not proof of date of birth or citizenship. “While the Election Commission continues to accept Aadhaar in voter forms, it is not considered proof of citizenship. Other documents may be necessary for establishing eligibility,” Kumar explained.

In the Bihar Assembly elections, the CEC confirmed that polling will take place before November 22, when the current assembly’s term ends.

Kumar highlighted the successful completion of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls, launched on June 24, 2025. He urged voters to participate enthusiastically in the elections, comparing the festive spirit of voting to the celebration of Chhath pooja (hindu festival dedicated to sun god) in Bihar.