The Election Commission of India (EC) issues a directive capping the number of Form 7 applications per individual at 10, aiming to prevent bulk deletion of voters from electoral rolls. Under the new rules, electoral registration officers must verify objections, conduct hearings, and ensure that affected voters get an opportunity to respond before any deletion is made.
The decision follows controversy over alleged large-scale filing of Form 7 during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, with reports focusing particularly on Karnataka. Outlet coverage frames the measure as a response to concerns that the objections process is being used to remove voter records at scale. Different reports emphasize the operational aspect of the cap—how many applications can be submitted by one person—as well as the procedural safeguards that require notice and a response from voters who may be affected.
Overall, the EC’s move centers on balancing the objections and deletion mechanism with added checks to limit mass requests and reduce the risk of wrongful or unreviewed deletions, while maintaining a formal process for objections and hearing before any action is taken.
