ECI Limits Form 7 Applications to 10 Per Voter Amid Concerns Over Bulk Deletion Requests

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced limits on Form 7 applications following complaints about the bulk filing of objections seeking the removal of names from electoral rolls. In an order dated October 9, 2026, addressed to the Chief Electoral Officers of all States and Union Territories, the Commission prescribed a maximum of 10 Form 7 applications per individual elector throughout the claims and objections period. During continuous updation of electoral rolls, an individual may submit no more than five applications per month. These restrictions apply to both online and offline submissions.

Under Rule 13(2) of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, Form 7 is used to object to the inclusion of a name in an electoral roll or to request its deletion. The applicant must already be registered in the electoral roll of the constituency concerned. The ECI said unsupported bulk objections had caused inconvenience to voters and increased the workload of election officials. Electoral Registration Officers must verify applications, check the required details and the objector’s original signature, and follow the prescribed process when an objection remains unresolved. This includes issuing notices and giving the concerned parties an opportunity to be heard. The Commission also directed that action be taken under applicable rules against applicants who knowingly submit false or fabricated complaints. The measure is intended to discourage indiscriminate objections while ensuring that genuine claims are considered according to electoral procedures.