Stories
Election Commission Imposes Strict Rules on Form 7 for Deleting Voter Names
- •The Election Commission has issued strict guidelines regarding Form 7 to curb mass and baseless applications for deleting names from the voter list.
- •Under the new rules, an individual can submit a maximum of 10 Form 7 applications during the entire claims period and up to 5 per month during continuous updates.
- •Names cannot be deleted merely upon submission; a notice must be sent, personal hearings conducted, and the complainant's identity must be strictly verified.
- •Legal action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, will be taken against those submitting knowingly false complaints.
- •Daily limits have also been established for Booth Level Agents of political parties regarding the submission of Form 7 applications.
Key Questions Answered
Under the Election Commission's new guidelines, an individual voter can submit a maximum of 10 Form-7 applications during the entire period for claims and objections, with a monthly cap of 5 applications during continuous updating. For political parties' Booth Level Agents, a maximum of 50 applications per day before the draft voter list publication and 10 per day after publication are permitted.
Names cannot be deleted from the voter list merely upon Form-7 submission. The Electoral Registration Officer must personally verify the complainant's identity, send a notice for a personal hearing with separately recorded statements, and give the targeted voter an opportunity to be heard before making a final decision.
If a false complaint or fraudulent submission is proven, the Commission has directed legal action against the complainant under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, for knowingly providing false information.
