The issue of electoral roll deletions has gained attention recently due to allegations of mass attempts to remove voter names in Karnataka’s Aland constituency in 2023. Concerns have been raised over the misuse of online deletion forms without voters’ consent. This has sparked debate on the legal framework, procedural safeguards and technological gaps in India’s electoral roll management system.
Legal Provisions for Electoral Roll Deletions
Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 empowers Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) to correct or delete names from electoral rolls. Deletions can occur if a person has died, moved out permanently, is underage, or is not an Indian citizen. The ERO must conduct an inquiry, notify the concerned elector, allow time for response and then pass a deletion order. This ensures due process and protects voter rights.
Application Process for Deletion
Electors can object to inclusion or request deletion using Form 7 as per the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. This form can be submitted offline to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) or online through the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) voter portal or ECINet app. Applicants must provide their details, the details of the elector objected to, and select a reason such as death, underage, or non-residency. A self-declaration warning against false statements is mandatory, but no documentary proof is required at the time of filing.
Online Submission and Verification
To file Form 7 online, voters must create an account linking their phone number with their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number. Only voters registered in the same constituency can file objections. However, the system lacks robust verification to ensure that the phone number and EPIC actually belong to the applicant. This loophole has allowed fraudulent submissions, as seen in Karnataka, where deletion forms were filed without voter knowledge.
Processing and Safeguards
Since 2018, the ECI uses a centralised portal called ERONet for processing electoral roll applications. The portal standardises procedures but processing remains at the constituency level by the ERO. On receiving an objection, the ERO issues notice to the affected elector, allows seven days for response, conducts hearings and field verification by BLOs before making a decision. These steps act as safeguards against wrongful deletion despite online filing vulnerabilities.
Systemic Gaps and Challenges
The absence of mandatory evidence during filing and weak authentication of applicants’ credentials are major concerns. Linking phone numbers to EPICs without verification enables misuse. Although inquiries and field visits are mandated, delays and resource constraints may hamper effective checks. The ECI acknowledges these issues but relies on legal provisions and manual verification to maintain electoral roll integrity.
Technological Integration and Reforms
The ECI’s recent launch of the ECINet portal integrates multiple voter and officer services to streamline processes. This digital approach aims to improve transparency and efficiency. However, enhancing biometric or multi-factor authentication could strengthen the system. Continuous monitoring and updating of legal and technological frameworks are essential to prevent electoral roll manipulation.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the legal safeguards under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 in protecting voter rights during electoral roll deletions.
- Explain the role of technology in electoral roll management in India and discuss the challenges posed by digital vulnerabilities with suitable examples.
- What are the implications of inaccurate electoral rolls on democratic processes? How can citizen participation and administrative accountability be enhanced to address this issue?
- With reference to the Election Commission of India, critically comment on the balance between automation and manual verification in ensuring free and fair elections.
