Voter List: 7 Years Jail for Submitting Fake Documents in Voter List! Election Commission’s Strict Warning

Voter List: The process of submitting forms for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in West Bengal has recently concluded. Numerous applications for inclusion, correction, or transposition of names in the voter list have been received from across the state. However, right after the conclusion of this phase, the Election Commission has issued a very critical and stern warning. The Commission has made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against those who have submitted fake documents or false information during this process. To prevent fake voters and infiltrators, the Commission has adopted a zero-tolerance policy.

Strict Punishment and Legal Provisions

According to sources from the Election Commission, strict sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) will now be applied to maintain transparency in the voter list. Under Section 337 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, if any person forges a government document or uses it for fraudulent purposes, they can face imprisonment of up to seven years along with a hefty fine. This warning applies not only to Voter ID cards but also to other government documents.

The documents for which fraud will attract such punishment include:

• Voter ID Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificates
• Court documents or Government Office records
• Power of Attorney or certificates issued by government employees

Patterns of Fraud and Detection Challenges

It has come to the Commission’s notice that mainly infiltrators or residents from outside the state are trying to enroll their names in the voter list by posing as children of local residents using fake documents. The patterns of this fraud are quite concerning:

• Relationship Fraud: Forms are being filled out by showing a local elderly person as a parent, keeping the age difference plausible.
• Document Manipulation: Especially in the case of married women, who have their husband’s name on the voter card but lack solid proof of their father’s name, fake school certificates or PAN cards are often used. PAN cards, where one can insert a father’s name as desired, are being submitted as proof.
• Verification Limitations: When Booth Level Officers (BLOs) go for verification, they report based on the supporting documents. However, if the supporting document itself is forged perfectly, it becomes extremely difficult to detect with the naked eye.

Use of Technology and Next Steps

To stop such fraud and identify fake voters, the Election Commission is now leveraging modern technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used to scan voters’ names, photos, and other data. This will make it easier to detect duplications or discrepancies in photos or information.

The next steps of the SIR process and important dates are given below:

With these strict measures by the Commission, it is expected that the upcoming final voter list will be much more transparent and error-free. Citizens are requested to apply with correct documents only and not to resort to any unfair means.