Election Photo Rules: Hijab Allowed as Long as Face is Clear, Say Officials

With a significant number of women voters choosing to wear the hijab or headscarf, questions have arisen about the type of photograph required for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration form used in electoral rolls.

Several voters reported that while some Booth Level Officers (BLOs) instructed them to submit photos with their heads covered but ears visible, others said BLOs were uncertain of the exact requirements.

“There is an assumption that for official documentation, photos should have the woman applicant’s ears clearly visible. It is understandable that the need for clarification stems from this assumption,” said Ayesha Fatima, a voter from Manikonda.

The Hindu spoke to BLOs who confirmed receiving similar queries. They noted that women have been submitting a variety of photographs: some without headscarves, some with headscarves and ears visible, and some with headscarves covering the ears. The queries largely stem from religious practices, with voters seeking clarity on what is acceptable.

“Many women have specifically asked whether their ears should be visible. There was some information circulating on social media about this as well after which we got more queries. At the moment, all kinds of photographs are being submitted with the form. We are making sure that the photographs are clear,” said a BLO working in the Bahadurpura Assembly constituency.

To determine whether any standard operating procedure exists, The Hindu contacted three Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). One officer said no clear instructions had been issued, another said photographs with ears clearly visible would suffice (“As long as the ears are visible, it is enough”), and a third said photographs should be taken “much like passport application photographs,” adding he would seek further clarification.

GHMC Commissioner and District Election Officer R.V. Karnan stated that all photos need to be clear: “As long as the face is clear, it should not be a problem in the photographs.”