The Supreme Court has issued a significant ruling that addresses flaws in the Special Investigation Restriction (SIR) of Bihar, with implications expected to be felt nationwide. Simultaneously, the Election Commission of India has enhanced the process of enrolling or altering information on the electoral roll by introducing a mandatory OTP-based Aadhaar authentication for online applications. This reform is designed to bring more accuracy and authenticity to the electoral database.
Applicants seeking to register anew or make changes to existing voter details now have to undergo an electronic signature (‘e-sign’) validation through Aadhaar for online submissions. While this adds a layer of security to digital applications, those without an Aadhaar number retain the option of submitting physical forms directly to designated officials. This move is seen as part of efforts to minimize fraudulent activities and ensure that voter details are accurate and verified.
This change was introduced in mid-September, just before a press conference by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, where he highlighted alleged unauthorized deletions of voters in Karnataka’s Aland assembly constituency. The Election Commission responded by affirming the legitimacy of only 24 out of the 6,018 deletion requests presented in that case, with the remaining being dismissed as incorrect. An investigation is underway following the filing of an FIR in early September.
These developments underscore a broader effort to maintain the integrity of electoral processes in India. By leveraging technology and enhancing voter authentication, the Election Commission aims to safeguard against erroneous or malicious voter list alterations. These measures are crucial in preserving democratic processes, ensuring that each vote is accurately represented and counted.
In conclusion, these reforms highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen voter registration systems, making them more secure and reliable for the future.