Strict Action on False Declarations in Form-7: UP Election Commission Warns of Jail and Fines
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By • Published 18 Oct 2026• Updated 18 Oct 2026
Navdeep Rinwa, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, has directed strict action against individuals who deliberately provide false information or make false declarations in Form-7. Such offenses can lead to imprisonment of up to one year, fines, or both. This warning is part of guidelines issued by the Election Commission aimed at preventing the removal of incorrect names from the voter list.
Legal Provisions for False Declarations in Form-7
Navdeep Rinwa instructed district election officers across the state to take immediate action against any false declarations in Form-7. Under this provision, those providing false information may face imprisonment for up to one year, fines, or both. The Commission has also ordered widespread dissemination of these guidelines through print, electronic, social media, and other channels to raise public awareness about the importance of providing accurate information when filling Form-7 and the legal consequences of false declarations.
Launch of Special Voter Registration Campaign
The Special Voter Registration Campaign (SIR) began in Uttar Pradesh on October 17. Under this campaign, voters whose names were removed or not added during the SIR period are being given another opportunity to register. Youths who have turned 18 can also register their names in the voter list through this campaign. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are accepting applications at designated centers, with special focus on increasing participation of women and youth.
Campaign Goals and Expected Numbers
- Adding approximately 20 million new voters to the list.
- Currently, 145 million names are registered, while based on population, there should be 160 million, leaving a gap of 15 million.
- Bringing women’s and youth representation to the expected proportion.
Difference Between Form-6 and Form-7 Processes
The Chief Electoral Officer clarified that there is a difference between the Form-6 used in the current special registration campaign and the Form-6 used during the SIR. Now, the Aadhaar card is accepted as proof of date of birth, whereas during SIR, birth certificates, high school mark sheets, and other documents were accepted as alternatives. This change will simplify the application process and improve verification accuracy.
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Investigation of Duplicate Names
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav had complained about duplicate names in the voter list, alleging that a youth named Vikas Yadav from Azamgarh was registered in 10 different places. Navdeep Rinwa stated that this is a specific case and has directed the district election officer to investigate. The actual situation will be clarified after the investigation.
Key Points
- False declarations in Form-7 can lead to imprisonment of up to one year or fines.
- Navdeep Rinwa has ordered promotion of guidelines across all media platforms.
- The Special Voter Registration Campaign runs from October 17 to 24, aiming to add 20 million new voters.
- Women and youth are given special priority in the campaign.
- Investigation into duplicate names is ongoing; action will follow based on results.
Next Steps and Record Security
After the special registration campaign, a General Summary Revision (SSR) will be conducted, during which the voter list will be shared with all political parties and a fixed time will be given for objections. The election officer stated that all records of this process will be securely maintained to ensure useful data is available in the future.
Through these measures, the Uttar Pradesh Election Commission aims to make the voter list accurate, transparent, and inclusive for all eligible citizens, thereby establishing a strong democratic foundation for the 2027 Assembly elections.
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