ECI Caps Form-7 Applications to Prevent Bulk Voter Objections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced strict limits on Form-7 applications used to object to voter registrations or request the deletion of names from electoral rolls. The move aims to prevent misuse of the process following reports of bulk and unsubstantiated objections in states including Karnataka and Odisha, which have caused inconvenience to genuine voters and increased the workload of election officials.

Under the new guidelines, an individual elector can submit a maximum of 10 Form-7 applications during an electoral roll revision period. During regular, continuous updates outside major revisions, the limit is set at five applications per month. The restrictions are intended to close loopholes that previously allowed large numbers of physical applications to be submitted without clearly defined numerical limits.

The ECI has also strengthened verification procedures, requiring Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to issue formal notices, conduct hearings and independently verify each objection. Voters whose names are challenged must be given a fair opportunity to respond. The commission has warned that strict penal action will be taken against applicants found to have submitted false, fabricated or malicious objections. Chief Electoral Officers across all states and Union territories have been directed to ensure compliance with the new rules.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright