Karnataka's residential certificates may not meet Election Commission voter verification norms

As Karnataka prepares for door-to-door visits starting June 30 as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the state government has directed Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to issue residential certificates to residents who need supporting documents. However, the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines list 11 approved documents for SIR, and a residential certificate is not among them. The ECI specifically requires a permanent residence certificate (PRC) issued by a competent state authority, which in Karnataka is a tahsildar, not a PDO.

Civil society groups, including 'My Vote, My Right,' have questioned the logic behind the government's direction. They argue that if residential certificates issued by PDOs are to be accepted, the government must clarify this to avoid rejection during enumeration or scrutiny. Otherwise, residents should be guided toward obtaining documents that are valid under ECI guidelines. 'The effort to help people is appreciated, but the help should be of some use,' the groups said.

A residential certificate can be obtained using documents such as Aadhaar, ration card, utility bills, or rental agreements that prove current address. A permanent residence certificate, however, requires proof of longer ties to the state, such as years of residency, property ownership, or parental residence. The ECI's SIR framework focuses on establishing citizenship, often based on residence prior to 2002, which a standard residential certificate may not prove.

Activist and columnist Shivasundar cited the example of West Bengal, where during its SIR, many residents submitted domicile certificates issued by the state government. The ECI initially refused to accept them, insisting on certificates issued under specific government orders by designated authorities. The Supreme Court upheld the ECI's authority in such matters. 'This shows that the issue is not merely whether a person possesses a certificate, but whether the document meets prescribed procedures,' Shivasundar said.

For many eligible voters from marginalized communities, obtaining a PRC is a difficult and time-consuming process. The uncertainty over whether PDO-issued certificates will be accepted adds to the challenge. The state government has been urged to either ensure recognition of these certificates or assist voters in obtaining valid PRCs.