This time Prashant Kishor has entered Bihar with full force, but amidst the political strategy, a news created a stir. His name entry was found in the voter lists of both Bihar and West Bengal both times. On hearing this, there was an uproar in the political circles. Now not only posters and rallies, but cleaning of voter list has also become a heavy weapon in the election field. In such a situation, the question arises whether this is a mistake or an intentional fraud? And if something goes wrong, what punishment can be imposed, let us know.

It is a crime to have two voter cards

In India, it is mandatory for every voter above 18 years of age to have his own EPIC (voter-ID). According to the electoral rules and guidelines of the Election Commission, the name of any citizen should not be in the voter list of more than one assembly constituency or more than one state. If someone deliberately hides his existence and registers a new name at some other place, then it is considered a crime and there is a provision for punishment.

What does the law say?

Dual registration of voters is a serious matter under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and its related legal provisions. As per the rules, knowingly suppressing old registration and applying for new registration is punishable with fine and/or jail term as per law; In some provisions, there is also mention of imprisonment up to one year. Based on the instructions of the courts and the Election Commission, where there is scope for rectification of duplicate entry if it is done by mistake or unintentionally, then strict action is possible if it is done intentionally.

How can we improve?

But punishment is not considered automatically decided in every case. The stance of election officials often varies depending on context and intent. Whether the person had actually registered at the other place while living legally at two places, whether he had forgotten to cancel the earlier registration, or whether a new application was made by hiding the fact, the answers to all these questions are decided after investigation. The Election Commission has repeatedly said that those who have made two cards by mistake, should get their records corrected by filling the form and the old voter card should be cancelled. In the main phase, voters can get their records corrected through forms like Form 7 or Form 8.

Can action be taken in Prashant Kishore’s case?

In the case of Prashant Kishore, his team said that an application has been made to cancel the Bengal card. That is, at present this matter is also in the direction of reform process, but despite this, there will be a need for investigation and formal scope. If the case is indeed found to have been filed deliberately, then action can be taken under the Representation of the People Act and related sections.

Also read: Can the state government abolish the law made in the Parliament, questions arising after Tejashwi’s statement on Waqf?