Telangana CEO Orders Action Against False Voter Declarations
Telangana Chief Electoral Officer directs strict action against applicants making false statements in SIR electoral roll forms.
The Telangana Chief Electoral Officer has issued a stern directive to officials to take immediate action against individuals making knowingly false statements or declarations during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This move aims to ensure the integrity of the voter registration process across the state.
Strict Action for Misleading Information
In a formal communication addressed to the Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), District Election Officers (DEOs), and all state Collectors, the CEO emphasized that any applicant found providing fraudulent information in Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8 must face consequences.
The decision follows reports that the CEO's office has identified instances where bulk applications are being submitted via Form 7. There are serious allegations suggesting that a significant number of these applications may not be genuine, potentially undermining the accuracy of the electoral rolls.
Mandatory Inquiry Process
The directive specifies that before any punitive measures are taken, a formal inquiry must be conducted under Rule 20 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. This ensures that due process is followed while investigating those responsible for making false declarations during the current SIR exercise.
Supreme Court Clarifies Form 6 Controversy
The CEO's directive arrives amidst a legal debate regarding changes to Form 6, the document used for enrolling new voters. A controversy has emerged regarding a new declaration within the online version of the form, which requires applicants to state whether they or their parents were mapped during the previous SIR exercise.
The Supreme Court has stepped in to clear the air regarding these modifications. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, clarified that the apex court has not approved any modified version of Form 6 for voter enrolment.
Judicial Scrutiny on Form Modifications
The bench expressed intent to examine official records to determine who introduced these changes, following claims by the Election Commission that the new declaration had received judicial approval. The court's clarification comes during the hearing of a plea by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who is seeking the prosecution of the Chief Election Commissioner and other officials over alleged unilateral decisions made during the SIR process.