Relevance: GS II (Polity – Elections & RPA Act) | Source: The Hindu / Indian Express

1. The Context: Mass Deletions?

In early 2026, a controversy erupted in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where thousands of voters alleged that their names were being deleted from the voter list without their knowledge.

  • The Tool Used: Form 7. This is the official form used to request the deletion of a name from the electoral roll.
  • The Allegation: Political parties claimed that fake Form 7 applications were filed in bulk (using forged signatures) to disenfranchise specific groups of voters.

2. Understanding Form 7

To maintain a clean voter list, the Election Commission allows citizens to object to entries.

  • Purpose: Form 7 is used for:
    • Objecting to the inclusion of a name.
    • Seeking deletion due to Death, Shifting of residence, or Duplication (name in two places).
  • The Safeguard: A name cannot be deleted just because a form is filed. The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) must conduct a summary inquiry, and the Booth Level Officer (BLO) usually verifies the claim by visiting the house.

3. The Legal Shield (RPA 1950)

The preparation of voter lists is governed by the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950.

  • Punishment: Section 31 of the RPA, 1950 is crucial here. It states that making a false declaration (e.g., falsely claiming a neighbor has moved away to delete their vote) is a punishable offense.
  • Penalty: Imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine, or both.

UPSC Value Box

Form / Section Relevance for Prelims
Form 6 Application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll (for new voters or shifting from another constituency).
Form 7 Application for objection to inclusion or seeking deletion of a name.
Form 8 Application for correction of details (spelling, address within same constituency) or replacement of EPIC.
Section 31 (RPA 1950) Makes false declarations in voter forms a criminal offense.

Q. With reference to the revision of electoral rolls in India, consider the following statements:

  1. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 governs the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
  2. Form 7 is the prescribed application for seeking the deletion of a name from the electoral roll.
  3. Making a false declaration in connection with the revision of an electoral roll is a punishable offense under the law.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

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