The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced stricter measures governing Form-7 applications, which are used to raise objections to the inclusion of names in electoral rolls and seek the deletion of existing entries. To prevent individuals from filing objections indiscriminately, the Commission has introduced new limits and issued directives to the Chief Electoral Officers of all states and Union Territories.

New Rules and Limits

Under the new rules, an individual voter can submit a maximum of 10 Form-7 applications during the electoral roll revision process. During routine updates of electoral rolls, the limit will be five applications per month. The restrictions will apply equally to both online and offline submissions.

The ECI had reportedly observed that some individuals were filing false objections through Form-7 without any substantial grounds or valid reasons. Such objections were causing unnecessary inconvenience to voters whose names were being challenged and increasing the workload of field-level officials.

Other Key Measures Introduced by the ECI

The Commission has also made it mandatory for Form-7 applications to bear the objector's original signature. A stamp or seal alone will not be sufficient. Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will be required to thoroughly verify the authenticity of applicants. If an objection is found to be false or fabricated, strict legal action will be initiated against the applicant for knowingly making a false statement under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

The Commission has also introduced limits on the number of forms that Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of recognised political parties can submit. Before the publication of the draft electoral roll, BLAs will be permitted to submit a maximum of 50 forms per day. After the draft roll is published, the limit will be reduced to 10 forms per day.

These measures are aimed at preventing the misuse of Form-7 applications, protecting eligible voters from unwarranted objections and ensuring greater accountability in the electoral roll revision process.