Chandigarh, Oct 14 (UNI) The Election Commission of India has imposed limits on applications seeking the deletion of names from electoral rolls, restricting individual voters to 10 objections during the claims and objections period and five per month during continuous electoral roll updation, in a move aimed at preventing frivolous complaints and protecting legitimate voters.
The restrictions apply to Form-7 applications submitted both online and offline. Under the revised instructions, only individuals whose names appear on the electoral roll of the concerned Assembly constituency can submit objections, in accordance with Rule 13(2) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Applications must carry the objector's personal signature, with facsimile or stamped signatures prohibited. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have been directed to verify applicants' identities and cross-check their details against electoral records. Where more than five objections are raised, the prescribed personal verification procedure must be followed.
The Commission has also barred the collective submission of applications, whether delivered personally or through the post. Officials must provide an opportunity for a hearing to both the objector and the voter whose inclusion is challenged before deciding an objection.
The Commission warned that applicants knowingly furnishing false declarations could face proceedings under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. The measures are intended to strengthen scrutiny of deletion requests while safeguarding voters against unjustified removal from electoral rolls, according to a release.
UNI NB CDS
