JAMMU, Sept 13: Setting at rest the apprehensions voiced by some political parties about dual registration of voters by non-locals putting up in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made it clear that no voter can be registered at two places and that those indulging in such acts are liable for punishment under the Representation of People’s Act.
The Election Commission has released series of clarifications in a letter addressed to the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir. The Additional Secretary in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer has forwarded the clarifications to all 20 Deputy Commissioners of the Union Territory.
“No person is to be registered more than once in any constituency and no person can be registered in the electoral roll for more than one segment. As per provisions of Section 31 of Representation of People’s Act 1950, if any person makes representation in connection with preparation, revision or correction of an electoral roll or inclusion or exclusion of any entry, a statement of declaration in writing which is false and which he knows or believes to be false, he shall be punishable under Section 31 of the Representation of the People’s Act, 1950,” the order read.
The accused can get imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or fine, or both.
Some political parties had voiced concerns that non-locals residing in Jammu and Kashmir can indulge in dual registration in electoral rolls.
The Election Commission’s clarification came in response to queries raised by the Deputy Commissioners, who have been designated as District Electoral Officers (DEOs), that there may be cases where an elector is enrolled at two places and while submitting Form-6B, he/she can provide Aadhaar card at one place and any of the 11 other documents at other place for registration as electorate.
“A scenario may arise when an elector applies for shifting from one place to another and mentions his/her EPIC number in Form-8. However, his/her name founds to be deleted from the electoral rolls in the case, provision may be made to retrieve old EPIC details and issuance of same EPIC number,” the inquiry by the District Election Officers, read.
The Election Commission, however, replied that retrieval of a deleted name is not possible in the existing system. In case somebody’s name is deleted from electoral roll, the only option available for him is to apply for fresh registration in Form 6. (Excelsior)
