Correction of Electoral-Roll Omissions

Rule 21 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 enables an electoral registration officer to include eligible electors whose names were accidentally left out while preparing the electoral roll. It provides a procedure involving a publicly displayed list, notice and consideration of objections, rather than automatic inclusion without scrutiny.

When Rule 21 applies

The provision applies when the electoral registration officer finds that names were left out owing to inadvertence or error during preparation of the electoral roll, and that those names should be included.

• The officer may initiate this corrective process on discovering the omission; the rule does not make action dependent on an individual elector first submitting a claim.
• This mechanism operates during preparation of the roll, before its final publication under Rule 22.

List and public notice

The officer must make the proposed inclusions public so that objections can be raised before a decision is taken.

• The officer must prepare a list of names and other details of the electors proposed to be included.
• A copy of the list must be exhibited on the notice board of the officer’s office, together with a notice specifying the time and place at which inclusion of those names will be considered.
• The officer must also publish the list and notice in such other manner as the officer thinks fit.

Consideration of objections and decision

The officer must consider any verbal or written objections that are submitted and then decide whether all or any of the listed names should be included in the electoral roll.

• Preparation or publication of the list is not itself a final decision to include every listed person.
• The essential safeguard is an opportunity to object before the officer decides on inclusion.