Aland voter deletion: How names can be removed from rolls

Paper: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Election, Issue: Voter Deletion Process

Context:

In 2023, Karnataka’s Aland constituency faced allegations of 6,018 fraudulent voter deletions via online forms, sparking political controversy after Rahul Gandhi alleged manipulation.

• While the CID investigates, the Election Commission maintains safeguards prevented wrongful deletions, stressing that due inquiry is required before removing any voter’s name.

Key Points:

• Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) are empowered under Section 22 of the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1950 to make corrections and deletions but only after inquiry and giving the elector a chance to respond.
• Form 7 is used to file objections for deletion or inclusion of names; it can be submitted online or offline but requires a declaration of truthfulness.
• The ECI clarified that submission of Form 7 online does not lead to automatic deletion; deletion requires verification by EROs and field visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
• In Aland, 6,018 deletion applications were filed online, but only 24 were genuine after verification; the rest were rejected.
• Due to suspicious high volume of deletion requests, an FIR was registered, and a detailed inquiry was launched.

Examples

• Rahul Gandhi alleged systematic deletion in Aland involved fake profiles and software attacks, with objections filed in bulk targeting opposition supporters particularly in Congress strongholds.
• After ERO inquiry, around 6,000 fraudulent deletion requests were rejected, demonstrating the system’s ability to filter out fake applications but also exposing systemic vulnerabilities.
• FIR No. 26/2023 was registered by the Aland police based on suspicious deletion attempts, showing official legal processes in action.

Legal Provisions for Voter Deletion

• Under Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can correct or delete names from electoral rolls, either on their own or upon application. 
• Before deletion, they must conduct an inquiry, give the voter a chance to respond, and then issue an order. 
• Names can be removed if the person has died, shifted residence, or is ineligible — such as being under 18 or not a citizen.

Processing of Forms

The Aland voter deletion case exposes gaps in digital electoral roll management that risk eroding public trust. Though safeguards exist, stronger verification, faster investigations, and greater voter awareness are essential to protect electoral integrity and reinforce confidence in the democratic process.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/karnataka-ceo-will-continue-to-assist-probe-into-aland-case-eci/article70071056.ece

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