13. Form 7 and the Voter Deletion Controversy: Safeguarding the Electoral Roll

In early 2026, the Election Commission of India (EC) launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which sparked significant political debate over the mass submission of Form 7 applications. Allegations of coordinated efforts to delete eligible voters—particularly from marginalized communities—have raised concerns regarding the procedural integrity of India\'s democratic exercise. • Definition and Scope of Form 7: Form 7 is a statutory application under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, used specifically for objecting to the inclusion of a name or seeking the deletion of an existing entry from the electoral roll. Valid grounds for deletion include death, shifting of residence, duplication, or ineligibility (e.g., non-citizenship). • 2022 Amendment and Misuse Concerns: Previously, only voters from the same polling booth could file an objection. A 2022 amendment expanded this power to any voter within a constituency. Critics argue this has enabled \'bulk filing\' by organized actors, leading to thousands of fraudulent objections— often using forged signatures or pre-filled forms—targeting specific demographics. • The \'ASD\' Category and Scale of Deletions: During the current SIR phase, names of approximately 6.5 crore electors were reportedly removed from draft rolls across 12 States and UTs. These individuals are placed in the ASD (Absent, Shifted, Dead/Duplicate) category. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat reported the highest number of such deletions. • Verification Safeguards: To prevent arbitrary removal, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) must follow a mandatory inquiry process. This includes physical verification by Booth Level Officers(BLOs), issuing notices to the affected person, and providing an opportunity for a hearing. In death cases, signatures of three neighbors or a death certificate are required. • Legal Penalties for False Declarations: Filing a false Form 7 is a criminal offense. Under Section 31 (for false declarations) and Section 32 (for breach of official duty) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, offenders can face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine, or both. • The \'First Responder\' Role of BLAs: Political parties appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to assist in the revision. While they are authorized to file bulk objections (up to 30 at a time), they must certify the accuracy of these claims. The EC mandates strict scrutiny if a single individual files more than five objections. Key Definitions • Special Intensive Revision (SIR): A thorough, house-tohouse verification process conducted by the EC to clean electoral rolls, usually done after a gap of several years or before major elections. • Electoral Registration Officer (ERO): The statutory authority responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls for an assembly constituency. • Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: The legal framework that provides the various forms (Form 6 for inclusion, Form 7 for deletion, Form 8 for correction) used in the electoral process. Constitutional & Legal Provisions • Article 324: Grants the Election Commission the power of \'superintendence, direction, and control\' over the preparation of electoral rolls. • Article 326: Guarantees Adult Suffrage, establishing that every citizen not otherwise disqualified has a constitutional right to be registered as a voter. • Representation of the People Act, 1950: The primary law providing for the allocation of seats and the registration of electors. • Section 31 (RPA, 1950): Specifically deals with the punishment for making \'false declarations\' in connection with the preparation or revision of electoral rolls. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: Salient features of the Representation of the People Act; Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions, and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies (ECI). • GS Paper IV (Ethics): Ethical issues in electoral politics, including the disenfranchisement of marginalized sections and the integrity of administrative officers. • Mains Focus: The balance between \'Cleaning the Rolls\' (efficiency) and \'Protecting the Right to Vote\' (inclusivity). ConclusionWhile the EC maintains that SIR is a transparent exercise to ensure \'one citizen, one vote,\' the controversy over Form 7 highlights a systemic vulnerability. Ensuring that digital ease of filing does not translate into \'silent disenfranchisement\' requires robust physical verification and the strict prosecution of those filing fraudulent claims. Maintaining the sanctity of the electoral roll is not just an administrative task but a prerequisite for a fair and representative democracy.