Telangana Electoral Officer Orders Strict Action Against Fake Voter Deletion Forms

Official Directive

Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudarshan Reddy has ordered top state officials to take strict legal action against individuals who file false applications to remove eligible voters from electoral rolls. The memo directs the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner, the Hyderabad District Education Officer, and all district collectors and DEOs to act against people submitting fake Form 7 requests.

Bulk Form Allegations

The directive follows reports of bulk Form 7 applications submitted to electoral registration officers during the ongoing special revision of voter lists. According to the state election office, these forms are widely alleged to be fake. The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee previously filed a police complaint seeking FIRs over the alleged misuse after pre-printed deletion forms surfaced in multiple constituencies including Musheerabad, Bahadurpura, and Goshamahal.

Legal Framework

Under the new instructions, officials must first conduct a proper inquiry under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules of 1960. Following this inquiry, action can be taken against applicants who make false statements in forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8, as laid down under Section 31 of the Representation of People Act of 1950.

Context

Form 7 is the official document used by citizens to object to an existing entry or request the deletion of a name from the voter list. Electoral rolls are revised periodically to ensure that eligible voters are not left out while dead or shifted voters are removed properly.