The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has challenged the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) voter verification process in Bihar, alleging its a "grave fraud". The Supreme Court will hear petitions on 28th July, ahead of Novembers state assembly elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing a significant challenge to its voter verification process in Bihar, ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for November. The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a non-governmental organisation, has accused the ECI of perpetrating a “grave fraud” on voters through its special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

This accusation stems from the ECIs stringent requirements for voter identification, specifically its rejection of Aadhaar cards and ration cards as standalone proof of identity.

In its rejoinder affidavit filed with the Supreme Court, ADR contests the ECI’s position, arguing that the eleven documents currently accepted as proof of identity are equally susceptible to forgery.

The ECI, in its defence, maintains that the process aims to restore public confidence in the electoral process and that Aadhaar, EPIC (electoral photo identity card), and ration cards are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent procurement.