Election Commission Responds to Allegations

Summary of Key Points Related to Electoral Reforms and Issues

1. Election Commission of India (ECI) Findings:

   • The ECI informed the Supreme Court about the existence of "false" Form 7 applications (used for voter deletions) during the Uttar Pradesh Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
   • It stated that no false Form 7s were accepted and necessary corrective measures were taken upon discovery.

2. Legal Context:

   • A petition was filed by Tanuj Punia, MP from Barabanki, alleging misuse and fraud in bulk submission of Form 7s during the claims-and-objections phase of the Uttar Pradesh SIR.
   • Punia's plea requests penal action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, against individuals misusing the Form 7 mechanism for wrongful voter deletions.

3. Judicial Proceedings:

   • The Supreme Court urged the ECI to examine the allegations, take action, and submit a compliance report following the claims presented by the petitioners.
   • The hearing highlighted the urgency of the issue, as assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh may commence as early as December 2026.

4. Details of the Allegations:

   • Allegations included bulk applications filed with incomplete or false details, forged signatures, and requests for deletion from individuals who denied filing the objections.
   • Evidence indicated that some Form 7 applications were pre-filled and contained invalid information.

5. Electoral Data:

   • The Uttar Pradesh SIR resulted in a reported increase of 84 lakh voters, with a total electorate reaching approximately 13.39 crore. Over two crore voters were removed from the electoral rolls during this process.

6. ECI's Affidavit Findings:

   • Reports indicated attempts to submit Form 7 in bulk to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), including a specific case in the Hata Assembly constituency where 32 voter deletion requests were presented altogether, believed to be orchestrated by an unidentified individual.
   • The ECI has directed BLOs to not accept bulk submissions and to ensure proper checks on individual Form 7 applications.

7. Significance of Form 7:

   • Form 7 is crucial for maintaining the integrity of electoral rolls. It must be filled and submitted by individuals seeking to have their names removed from the list, ensuring transparency in the electoral process.

8. Recent Incidents:

   • The ECI disclosed instances of false Forms 7 being found in envelopes at the residences of BLOs, with those named in the forms denying any submission or involvement.

9. Electoral Procedure Regulations:

   • Applications for Form 7 can be made through District Election Officers, Voter Registration Centers, or through the voter service portal, requiring identification through the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

Conclusion

The allegations of fraudulent practices regarding voter deletions through Form 7 raise significant concerns about electoral integrity in India. The ongoing judicial scrutiny and the ECI's affirmative steps to address the issues underscore the importance of upholding the democratic process. Further investigations and strict adherence to electoral guidelines are essential to ensure fair and transparent elections.