On March 18, 2025, the Election Commission (EC) announced a major move to curb electoral fraud and fake voters by linking Aadhaar numbers with Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). The Commission revealed that it would soon begin technical consultations with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to implement this linkage.
This decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with the participation of Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar, a senior official from the Legislative Department, and technical experts from the EC, according to an official statement.
A Step Towards Transparent Elections
The Election Commission made it clear that the Aadhaar-EPIC linkage would comply with the provisions of Article 326 of the Constitution, which mandates that voting rights be granted only to citizens. In this context, the Aadhaar card will be used solely to verify an individual’s identity, not to grant voting rights.
The linkage will also align with Sections 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and comply with the Supreme Court’s judgment in WP (Civil) No. 177/2023.
Voluntary Submission: Safeguards in Place
Section 23(6) of the RP Act, 1950, ensures that no elector will be removed from the electoral rolls for their inability to provide or share an Aadhaar number if there is a sufficient cause. This ensures that Aadhaar linkage will only occur when the elector voluntarily submits their Aadhaar number, protecting the rights of individuals who may face valid challenges in providing their Aadhaar details.
Voluntary Collection of Aadhaar Numbers
The Election Commission launched a voluntary program starting August 1, 2022, to collect Aadhaar numbers from existing and prospective electors across all states and union territories. Consent for Aadhaar authentication is obtained through Form 6B, and once consent is given, there is no provision for withdrawal.
A Game-Changer in Tackling Electoral Fraud
This initiative marks a significant turning point in India’s efforts to address electoral fraud and manipulation. By leveraging the Aadhaar system, the EC aims to create a more accurate and trustworthy voter database. The Aadhaar-EPIC linkage is expected to be a powerful weapon against fake voters, ensuring that only eligible voters are able to cast their ballots, strengthening the integrity of the democratic process.
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