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.

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Just before Bihar Election 2025, there is a ruckus over the voter card of former Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. In fact, Tejashwi Yadav has been accused of having two voter cards in which he is badly trapped. After this allegation, the Election Commission started investigation and sent a notice to Tejashwi. In such a situation, if it is proved that Tejashwi deliberately placed two voter cards or used fake documents, then legal action can be taken against him. Let us know that if a person has two voter ID cards, then what kind of legal action can be taken on him.

What is the allegation?

Actually, Tejashwi Yadav had alleged that he is not named in the voter list. After which this claim was rejected by the Election Commission and the EPIC number was issued that his name is included in the voter list. But after this, Tejashwi Yadav is being accused of keeping two voter cards, which the Commission has also sought an answer and has issued a notice to him. Sending a notice to Tejashwi, it was asked that the voter card he has mentioned should show him because the EPIC number in the investigation was not officially released. This means that the number that Tejashwi showed is not in the record. In such a situation, the question arises that if Tejashwi Yadav is found guilty then what action can be taken against him.

What does the law say?

If a person has two voter ID cards in India, then it falls under the category of crime. Former Joint Director of ECI Mohammad Amin said that according to Section 17 (Section 17) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, no person can join the voter list in more than one constituency. If he does this, then under section 18 (Section 18) and 31 (Section 31), he can be imprisoned for one year and can be imprisoned or both. As far as Tejashwi Yadav is concerned, the Election Commission has issued a notice to him, if he is found guilty then he will be punished under the rules.

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