ECI to Link EPIC with Aadhaar as per Constitutional and Legal Provisions

The Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, held a crucial meeting at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi to discuss the linking of Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) with Aadhaar. The meeting included key government officials such as the Union Home Secretary, Secretary of the Legislative Department, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), CEO of UIDAI, and technical experts from the ECI.

Linking Process to Follow Constitutional and Legal Framework

The Election Commission clarified that voting rights in India are granted solely to citizens, as per Article 326 of the Indian Constitution. While Aadhaar serves as an identity proof, it does not establish a person's citizenship. Therefore, the linking of EPIC with Aadhaar will be carried out strictly as per constitutional provisions, including Article 326, and in accordance with Section 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The decision also takes into account the Supreme Court's ruling in WP (Civil) No. 177/2023, ensuring that the process remains legally sound.

Technical Consultations to Begin Soon

To facilitate the linkage process, technical consultations between UIDAI and ECI experts will commence soon. These discussions will focus on the technical and legal aspects of the process while ensuring data privacy and security.

The Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting transparent and legally compliant electoral reforms while safeguarding citizens' voting rights and personal data.