Why in news
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) capped the maximum number of Form 7 objection applications filed by an individual elector to 10 during electoral roll revision.
Key terms
Form 7
Application form used under Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to object to or seek deletion of an entry in electoral rolls.
Electoral Registration Officer
Statutory authority appointed by ECI under Representation of the People Act, 1950 to maintain electoral rolls.
Electoral Roll
Official voter list for a constituency updated under ECI supervision.
Representation of the People Act, 1950
Parent legislation governing qualification of voters and preparation of electoral rolls.
What is Form 7 and Electoral Roll Revision?
- Form 7 is the statutory application used by electors to object to the inclusion or seek deletion of a name in the electoral roll under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
- Electoral rolls undergo periodic revisions managed by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) under the superintendence of the ECI.
Key Changes Introduced
- Individual electors can now submit a maximum of 10 Form 7 applications during a single claims and objections period.
- Before: No explicit individual cap existed, enabling political operatives to file unsubstantiated bulk objections.
- After: Bulk filings are constrained, protecting genuine voters from arbitrary target deletions and reducing administrative burden on EROs.
Why It Matters
- Prevents voter disenfranchisement through malicious, unsubstantiated objections intended to purge political opponents' supporters.
- Ensures administrative efficiency during intensive voter verification drives.
Prelims facts
- Form 6 is for new inclusion, Form 7 is for objection/deletion, and Form 8 is for correction of particulars in electoral rolls.
Mains discussion
- Examine the electoral reforms needed to prevent technological and administrative abuse during voter list cleanup drives.
Source: Economic Times
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2020 · Q56 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to Trade- Related Investment Measures (TRIMS), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Quantitative restrictions on imports by foreign investors are prohibited. 2. They apply to investment measures related to trade in both goods and services. 3. They are not concerned with the regulation of foreign investment. Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2022 · Q72 · General Studies · 2 marks
In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller's Organization (CCO)? 1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India. 2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks. 3. It hears any objection to the Government's notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas. 4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time. Select the correct answer using the code given below: -
2026 · Q4 · GS II · 10 marks
Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters? -
2024 · Q1 · GS II · 10 marks
Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees, with particular reference to "one nation - one election" principle. -
2023 · Q80 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements in respect of election to the President of India: 1. The members nominated to either House of the Parliament or the Legislative Assemblies of States are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College. 2. Higher the number of elective Assembly seats, higher is the value of vote of each MLA of that State. 3. The value of vote of each MLA of Madhya Pradesh is greater than that of Kerala. 4. The value of vote of each MLA of Puducherry is higher than that of Arunachal Pradesh because the ratio of total population to total number of elective seats in Puducherry is greater as compared to Arunachal Pradesh How many of the above statements are correct?