CPI(M) MP John Brittas Appeals to Election Commission to Revoke New Voter Registration Requirement

In a significant development concerning voter registration in India, John Brittas, a Member of Parliament from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), has called upon the Election Commission to retract a newly introduced requirement pertaining to the online voter registration form, Form 6. This declaration mandates applicants to disclose whether they or their parents were part of the last special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

This stipulation is currently only featured in the online version of Form 6 on the ECINET portal, while the printed version remains unchanged. Brittas took to social media to express his concerns, addressing a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, arguing that this modification is not merely a minor technical adjustment but a matter of legal and procedural importance.

The MP emphasized that Form 6 is crucial for those seeking to register as voters, particularly for individuals who have recently turned 18, acquired Indian citizenship, or had their names removed from the electoral list. The introduction of this new declaration comes at a time when the third phase of the special intensive revision of electoral rolls is in progress across 16 states and three Union Territories, further complicating the voter registration process.

Brittas pointed out that the changes made to the voter registration protocol have not been updated since June 2025, when the Election Commission initiated this extensive revision process. He cited Section 28 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which stipulates that only the central government holds the authority to amend such regulations. This argument raises questions about the legitimacy of the Election Commission’s recent decision.

As India gears up for upcoming elections, the implications of this new requirement could significantly affect voter participation. Critics argue that additional bureaucratic hurdles could dissuade eligible voters from registering, thereby compromising the democratic process. The Election Commission’s response to this appeal will be closely monitored as it navigates the fine line between administrative efficiency and electoral accessibility.

Source: scroll.in