UP SIR: SC Orders ECI To Probe Allegations Linked To Form 7; Poll Body Says Fake Applications Not Acted Upon

UP SIR: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to examine allegations of the bulk submission of Form 7 applications during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh and take corrective measures.

Form 7 is the application used to request the deletion of a voter's name from draft electoral rolls.

ALSO READ: 10 During Revisions, 5 Per Month: EC Caps Form 7 Applications To Remove Names From Voter List Amid SIR Row

Petitioners Directed To Submit Detailed Note

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, directed the petitioners to submit a detailed note highlighting all unresolved irregularities to the senior legal counsel representing the poll panel.

"The irregularities which have been brought to the notice of the court shall be submitted to senior counsel appearing for the Election Commission of India by way of a note. On receipt thereof, let the Election Commission examine the factual aspects, thereafter take necessary corrective steps and file a compliance report," the bench ordered.

Opposition Alleges Targeted Voter Deletion

The order came during a hearing on pleas filed by Congress MP Tanuj Punia and other leaders challenging the conduct of the SIR exercise in Uttar Pradesh. While over 13 crore electors were included in the final electoral rolls, the opposition alleged that over 2.04 crore names were removed during the revision.

During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioners highlighted specific instances, including 32 Form 7 applications submitted in a single constituency to target members of a specific community. Referring to the ECI's affidavit, counsel pointed out that two forms on record were signed by the Booth Level Officer (BLO), highlighting material inconsistencies and irreconcilable facts, the Bar and Bench reported.

Counsel further noted that similar incidents have happened in Telangana and Karnataka, where directions were issued or the registration of FIRs. In Uttar Pradesh, however, no action was taken, which counsel argued emboldened those responsible in what they described as an orchestrated effort.

ALSO READ: Karnataka SIR: EC Orders Action Against False Form 7 Filings After CM DK Shivakumar Protests Large-Scale Voter Deletion

What EC Said

Senior Advocate DS Naidu, representing the EC, acknowledged that bulk Form 7 applications had been filed but clarified that no voters were removed based on those submissions.

"We found that bulk Form 7 applications had been submitted. Our officers checked and cross-checked them. They were false, and we have not acted upon them," Naidu told the court.

Following the submissions, the bench directed the EC to examine the matter.

(With Inputs From PTI)