ECI CLARIFIES PROTECTION FOR VOTERS RE-ENROLLING THROUGH FORM 6

04 Nov 2026

Tags: Prelims   Current events of national and international importance

Source: The Hindu

Context: Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that voters whose names are missing from the draft electoral roll during Special Intensive Revision (SIR) can submit Form 6 without facing penal action merely due to previous enrolment.

  • Form 6: Application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll (new voter registration).
  • ECI clarification: Previous enrolment does not, by itself, make a fresh Form 6 declaration false, provided the applicant is not already enrolled in another Lok Sabha or State Assembly constituency.
  • Electoral Registration Officers (EROs): Cannot initiate action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1950, merely because the applicant appeared on an earlier electoral roll.
  • Form 6 declaration: Statement that the applicant's name is being included in the electoral roll for the first time; applicable since 1 August 2022.
  • Judicial basis: Delhi High Court ruling in Nilotpal Datta v. Election Commission of India (14 October 2026) upheld the petitioners' ability to submit Form 6 for processing.
  • Supreme Court observation: Requiring voters deleted during SIR to submit Form 6, despite its first-time voter declaration, was described as a "structural incongruity". Petitioners sought implementation of the direction permitting use of enumeration forms and/or Form 8.
  • Form 8: Used for correction of entries, shifting of residence within or across constituencies, replacement of Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and marking of Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
  • Section 31, RPA 1950: Prescribes punishment for making a false declaration in connection with electoral rolls.

Prelims Question

Q1. With reference to forms used in the preparation and maintenance of electoral rolls in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Form 6 is used for the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
  2. Form 8 can be used for correction of entries and shifting of residence.
  3. An applicant whose name appeared in an earlier electoral roll is automatically liable for prosecution under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, if they submit Form 6.
  4. Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, deals with false declarations in connection with electoral rolls.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

  • Statement 1 is Correct: Form 6 is the application for inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
  • Statement 2 is Correct: Form 8 covers correction of entries, shifting of residence, replacement of EPIC and marking of Persons with Disabilities.
  • Statement 3 is Incorrect: Previous enrolment alone does not attract penal action. The ECI clarified that action cannot be initiated merely because the applicant appeared on an earlier electoral roll, provided they are not already enrolled in another Lok Sabha or State Assembly constituency.
  • Statement 4 is Correct: Section 31 prescribes punishment for making false declarations in connection with electoral rolls.