Telangana HC takes up plea on Family Register Certificate as voter eligibility proof

The Telangana High Court has begun hearing petitions challenging the inclusion of the Telangana Family Register Certificate as proof of eligibility in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Petitioners argue that the certificate, based on ration card data, is unconstitutional for voter enrollment.

By Our Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Thursday commenced hearing a batch of writ petitions challenging the inclusion of the Telangana Family Register Certificate as a valid eligibility document for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and posted the matter to August 12 after granting time to the Election Commission of India to obtain instructions.

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The petitioners have challenged G.O.Ms. No.172, Revenue (Ser. II) Department, dated July 25, 2026, contending that the Telangana Family Register Certificate, which is issued solely on the basis of the Food Security Card/Ration Card database for the purpose of availing government services, cannot be treated as a valid eligibility document for voter enrollment under the Special Intensive Revision.

They have sought a declaration that the inclusion of the certificate under Item No. 10 of the SIR guidelines is illegal, arbitrary and unconstitutional, besides seeking directions restraining the election authorities from accepting it as proof of eligibility for enrollment.

During the hearing, the Standing Counsel for the Election Commission of India sought a short time to obtain instructions. Taking note of the request, the Division Bench adjourned the matter to August 12, 2026 for further hearing.