Key Questions on Aadhaar and EPIC Linkage

1. Current Status and Privacy Concerns

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is considering linking Aadhaar with the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). Currently, 66.23 crore Aadhaar numbers have been voluntarily collected, but not yet linked to the Voter ID database. This process has been halted due to legal challenges, particularly around privacy issues. Political concerns also play a significant role, as initiating linkage during election cycles could lead to controversies and suspicions.

2. Legal and Administrative Challenges

• The ECI acknowledges that linking the entire electoral roll with Aadhaar is challenging since it's not mandatory, as confirmed in the 2023 Supreme Court case G Niranjan Vs Election Commission of India.
• Form 6B, introduced in August 2022, allows voluntary collection of Aadhaar numbers, but critics argue that it does not clearly state this voluntary nature.
• The ECI has promised the Supreme Court to clarify these forms but has yet to implement these changes despite proposing legal and rulebook amendments to the Law Ministry.

3. Legislative and Political Implications

The possibility of mandating Aadhaar linkage through legal amendments is under discussion. This raises significant debates on privacy, potential disenfranchisement, and the fundamental right to vote without Aadhaar. Such moves could lead to political disputes, needing careful consideration of the Supreme Court's emphasis on necessity and proportionality in Aadhaar linkages.