No interim stay by SC on draft electoral roll

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to stay the publication of draft electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, while directing the Election Commission of India (ECI) to continue accepting Aadhaar and voter cards as valid proof of identity for special intensive revision (SIR) in the state as they have "some sanctity".

- BHAVINI SHARMA

"As far as ration cards are concerned, we can say they can be forged easily, but Aadhaar and voter cards have some sanctity and have a presumption of genuineness. You continue accepting these documents," the bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for the petitioners, said the electoral rolls should not be finalised in the interim. The bench, however, observed that the petitioners had not requested interim relief in the last hearing and, therefore, it could not be granted now.