"Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Raises Disenfranchisement Concerns"
Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
An extraordinary ECI-ordered exercise to comprehensively verify and update electoral rolls before a major election.
Form 7
Prescribed form under Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 for objecting to a voter's inclusion or seeking deletion from the electoral roll.
Free and fair elections rest on an accurate, inclusive electoral roll. The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 together govern how voters are enrolled, how rolls are revised, and how objections to inclusion or deletion are processed. The Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body under Article 324, is the sole authority responsible for superintendence, direction, and control of elections, including the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls.
Electoral rolls are revised periodically through Summary Revision and Intensive Revision exercises. A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is an extraordinary exercise ordered by the ECI, typically before a major election, to comprehensively verify and update the rolls in a short time. The stated purpose is to remove bogus, duplicate, or deceased entries and to add eligible voters who have been left out. However, the mechanism through which objections are filed and deletions are processed has significant implications for voter rights.
Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, Form 7 is the prescribed form for filing an objection to a proposed inclusion or for seeking deletion of an existing name from the electoral roll. Any person, including a political party worker, can file a Form 7 objection. The rules require that the person whose name is objected to must be given notice and an opportunity to respond before any deletion is made.
The SIR process places the burden of verification on the voter rather than on the state. When a Form 7 objection is filed against a voter's name, the voter must produce documents to establish their eligibility and residence. This reversal of the burden of proof is constitutionally significant. The right to vote, while not a fundamental right in the strict sense, is a statutory right protected under the Representation of the People Act. Courts have consistently held that deletion from the electoral roll must follow due process, including notice and a fair hearing.
The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 require the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) to conduct an inquiry before ordering deletion. The ERO must give the voter a reasonable opportunity to be heard. However, in practice, the combination of tight deadlines, document requirements, and bulk objections can overwhelm this safeguard. …
There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act. Comment.
Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyse whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute 'undue influence' and consequently a corrupt practice.
Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of India (ECI):
1.The ECI derives its authority over the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls from Article 324 of the Constitution.
2.The right to vote in India is a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution.
3.The Representation of the People Act, 1950 governs the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following constitutional provisions is the primary source of the Election Commission of India's authority to superintend, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls?
With reference to the electoral roll revision process in India, consider the following statements:
1.Form 7 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 can be used to object to a proposed inclusion as well as to seek deletion of an existing name.
2.Only a registered voter of the same constituency can file a Form 7 objection.
3.The Electoral Registration Officer must give the person whose name is objected to a reasonable opportunity to be heard before ordering deletion.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Match the following forms used in the electoral roll process with their purpose:
List I (Form)
A.Form 6
B.Form 7
C.Form 8
D.Form 8A
List II (Purpose)
1.Objection to inclusion or request for deletion of a name
2.Application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll
3.Application for correction of entries in the electoral roll
4.Application for transposition of entry to another part of the roll
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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