Supreme Court to hear plea on Delhi voter form dispute after Deepavali

Advocate Prashant Bhushan told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that the Election Commission of India is still forcing voters removed from Delhi electoral rolls to use Form 6, which is meant only for brand-new voters.

Court Hearing

On October 28, the Supreme Court stated that the poll body was in error by making deleted voters apply again as new applicants under Form 6 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Petitioners and activists Anjali Bhardwaj and Amrita Johri, along with advocates Cheryl D'souza and Neha Rathi, argued that this forces old voters to falsely claim they are new applicants, which is an offence carrying a prison sentence. The Chief Justice of India noted on Wednesday that the case will be heard after the Deepavali holidays on November 19, and told voters they need not fear while the top court is handling the matter.

Deadlines and Next Steps

The Chief Justice observed that the Election Commission has moved the deadline for claims and objections from October 30 to November 25. Mr. Bhushan stated that voters are caught in a dilemma because making a false declaration in Form 6 invites criminal prosecution. The Bench instructed the petitioners to file a formal application on this issue and added that the poll body could be asked to push the deadline back even further if needed.

Context

Form 6 is standardly used across India by citizens registering to vote for the first time or moving to a new constituency. Electoral roll revisions are routine administrative exercises conducted to update voter lists by adding eligible citizens and removing entries for individuals who have shifted or passed away.