Proving identity

SC ruling makes SIR inclusive

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The Supreme Court on Monday effectively reproved the Election Commission of India (ECI) for being excessively stringent in its operation of the "special intensive revision", or SIR, in Bihar. This process, meant to recreate the electoral roll before the Assembly elections in that state, has become mired in controversy amid concerns about disenfranchisement. The court in July, however, chose not to act on those concerns and allowed the process to go ahead. But it did indicate that some documents — a ration card and the Aadhaar unique ID among them — should be considered as proof of residence by the poll panel. But the ECI, it appears, continued to avoid the use of Aadhaar.