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Election Commission Form 7 Deletion Controversy: 6.5 Crore Voters Removed, Bulk Submissions Under SIR

PolityHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
10 Feb 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Section 13(2) of Registration of Electors Rules, 1960Section 32 of Representation of the People Act, 195050.94 crore enumeration forms6.5 crore electors removed2.89 crore deletions in Uttar Pradesh97 lakh deletions in Tamil Nadu
Bodies:Election Commission of India
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Congress alleges systemic misuse of Form 7 during the Special Intensive Revision to delete eligible voters, potentially benefiting the BJP.

2.A staggering 6.5 crore names were removed from draft rolls of nine States and three UTs, with UP leading at 2.89 crore deletions.

3.The core issue involves bulk, anonymous/fraudulent Form 7 applications, highlighting procedural loopholes and the need for stricter verification.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is mired in controversy over alleged mass misuse of Form 7 to delete eligible voters. This raises critical concerns about procedural fairness, administrative capacity, and the potential disenfranchisement of lakhs, particularly from backward and marginalized communities. It's a crucial Polity topic touching on electoral laws, the role of the Election Commission, and democratic rights.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Voter Deletions6.5 crore
Highest Deletions (State)Uttar Pradesh (2.89 crore)
Form 7 Legal BasisRegistration of Electors Rules, 1960 (Sec 13(2))
Punishment for False DeclarationsUp to 1 year imprisonment/fine/both (Sec 32, RPA 1950)
SIR Phase II Forms Distributed50.94 crore

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total Voter Deletions: 6.5 crore
  • ›Highest Deletions (State): Uttar Pradesh (2.89 crore)
  • ›Target this Data: 6.5 crore voters deleted in draft rolls of 9 States & 3 UTs.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Election Commission of India (ECI) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Form 7 is prescribed under Section 13(2) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960; false declaration is punishable under Section 32 of RPA, 1950.

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Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which constitutional body is primarily responsible for the preparation and revision of electoral rolls in India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding Form 7:

1. It is used to object to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll on grounds like death or shifting residence.

2. As per current rules, only a Booth Level Agent (BLA) from the same polling station can file an objection using this form.

3. Filing a false declaration using Form 7 is a punishable offence under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the draft electoral rolls published by the Election Commission, how many electors were removed from the draft rolls of nine States and three Union Territories as part of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary concern raised by critics regarding the alleged misuse of Form 7 during the Special Intensive Revision?

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