Is There Really a Category of ‘Suspicious Voters’ Under the Representation of the People Act?
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Synopsis
In a significant clarification from the Union Law Minister, it has been confirmed that there is no legal category for 'suspicious voters' in India. As electoral rolls undergo revision, this statement sheds light on the integrity of the voting process. Read on to understand the implications for the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- No legal category of 'suspicious voters' exists under the Representation of the People Act.
- The Election Commission emphasizes the integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls.
- Concerns regarding EVM manipulation have been addressed by the Union Law Minister.
- Aadhaar linking with Voter IDs is underway but not yet active.
- Public trust in the electoral process is being reinforced through these clarifications.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has emphasized that there is no official designation of "suspicious voters" under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. This clarification was provided in a written response by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal during a session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
This response was prompted by a question from Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman, who inquired whether “suspicious voters” had participated in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Minister Meghwal confirmed that the ECI has made it abundantly clear that such a classification does not exist in legal terms.
Previously, on June 24, the ECI highlighted reasons for the special revision of the voter list, including rapid urbanization, frequent migration, young individuals reaching voting age, unreported deaths, and the potential inclusion of foreign illegal immigrants. The aim, they stated, was to uphold the integrity and precision of the electoral roll.
Suman further questioned whether Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) could be manipulated. In response, Meghwal asserted that the Election Commission has guaranteed that election outcomes cannot be distorted via EVMs.
Additionally, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha raised concerns regarding the linking of Aadhaar with Voter ID cards. The Law Ministry clarified that according to the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, Electoral Registration Officers can voluntarily request Aadhaar numbers from voters for identity verification.
The ECI initiated the Aadhaar collection campaign with directives issued on July 4, 2022, which commenced on August 1, 2022, across all states and union territories. However, the Ministry clarified that the actual process of linking Aadhaar with Electoral Photo Identity Cards has not yet commenced.
These clarifications are intended to reinforce public confidence in the electoral process, particularly amidst the scrutiny of voter rolls, identity verification techniques, and the dependability of voting technology, as noted by officials.
Point of View
It is paramount to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The clarifications provided by the Union Law Minister and the Election Commission are essential in maintaining public trust. The emphasis on accurate voter rolls and the rejection of dubious classifications like 'suspicious voters' reflects a commitment to a transparent electoral system that serves all citizens.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the clarification on 'suspicious voters'?
The clarification aims to eliminate confusion and reinforce the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that no unverified categories affect voter rights.
Can EVMs be tampered with according to the Law Minister?
No, the Union Law Minister confirmed that the Election Commission has assured that election results cannot be manipulated through Electronic Voting Machines.
What is the status of linking Aadhaar with Voter ID?
Currently, the linking of Aadhaar numbers with Voter IDs is not yet implemented, although it has been proposed for voluntary identity verification.
