Form 7 Controversy

Source: TH

Subject: Polity

Context: Form 7 has become controversial during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls after allegations of bulk, fraudulent deletion requests targeting eligible voters.

About Form 7 Controversy:

What it is?

• Form 7 is a statutory form used to object to the inclusion of a name (one’s own or another person’s) in the electoral roll on specified grounds such as death, duplication, shifting of residence, ineligibility by age or citizenship, or misrepresentation.

Legal basis:

• Governed by the Election Commission of India

• Prescribed under Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1950

• As per Section 13(2), objections must be filed in Form 7 by a person whose name is already on the electoral roll

• Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are also permitted to file objections

• To maintain the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.

• To remove ineligible, duplicate, shifted or deceased voters.

• To prevent electoral fraud and ensure free and fair elections.

How it works?

• Any registered elector of the constituency (including Booth Level Agents) can file Form 7.

• Objection can be raised against another voter or for self-deletion.

• On receipt, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) conducts physical verification (multiple visits if required).

• The concerned voter is issued a notice and hearing by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).

• Appeals against ERO’s decision lie with the District Magistrate within 15 days.

• Filing a false declaration is punishable under Section 32 of the RP Act, 1950.

Key features:

• Expanded scope (2022 amendment): Any voter in a constituency (not just same booth) can object

• Mandatory verification: Especially if an applicant files more than five objections

• Grounds-based deletion: Death, absent/shifted, duplicate entry, underage, non-citizenship

• Due process safeguards: Physical verification, notices, hearings, and appeal mechanism

• Legal deterrence: False claims attract imprisonment up to one year or fine or both

Issues / concerns:

• Alleged coordinated submissions seeking mass deletions.

• Reports of voters denying having filed Form 7 despite signed forms.

• About 6.5 crore names removed as ‘ASD’ (Absent, Shifted, Dead/Duplicate), with high numbers in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.