Patna: The Election Commission has issued a stern warning amid ongoing complaints of irregularities in the draft voter list released under Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Authorities have flagged several instances of individuals possessing multiple voter identity cards (EPICs), which is a criminal offence under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Possession of more than one voter ID is punishable by a fine, up to one year of imprisonment, and even loss of voting rights, the Commission said. “Holding duplicate EPICs is illegal, just like having two Aadhaar or PAN cards,” an official stated.
The Commission has also sent a notice to RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in connection with allegations of holding two voter ID cards, underscoring its commitment to clamp down on such violations during the revision process.
The first phase of the SIR exercise distribution and collection of counting forms has concluded, and the second phase focusing on claims and objections is currently underway. Voters are being encouraged to verify their entries and rectify discrepancies.
“If a voter finds they are registered in two different places, they must immediately cancel one entry by submitting Form-7 to the Booth Level Officer (BLO),” officials advised. The form can be used to remove duplicate entries, names of deceased individuals, or records of those who have moved locations. This process can also be completed online via the Election Commission’s official website.
Sections 17 and 18 of the Representation of the People Act specify that registering in more than one constituency is illegal and may lead to a maximum sentence of one year in prison. The Commission continues to monitor the revision drive closely, urging the public to comply with the rules to ensure a free and fair electoral roll.
