Section 31A: Section 31A – Compulsory Furnishing of Information

Overview

Section 31A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, deals with the crucial process of preparing and updating electoral rolls (voter lists). It empowers election officials to ask citizens for information needed to ensure these lists are accurate and reflect the current population. This section is fundamental to fair and transparent elections.

Key Provisions

• Duty to Furnish Information: This section legally requires individuals to provide information requested by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or designated officials (like Booth Level Officers - BLOs) if it’s relevant to creating or revising electoral rolls.
• Offence for Non-Compliance: Refusing to provide the requested information, or deliberately giving false information, is considered an offence under the law and can lead to penalties.
• Relevance of Information: The information requested must be directly related to the preparation or revision of the electoral roll. This includes details needed to verify residency and eligibility to vote.

Impact on Voters and Electoral Rolls

Section 31A directly impacts citizens by placing a legal responsibility on them to cooperate with election officials. This cooperation is vital for maintaining accurate electoral rolls. Accurate rolls ensure that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote, and that only eligible citizens are registered. It also helps prevent fraudulent registrations and ensures the integrity of the electoral process. Without this cooperation, the electoral rolls can become outdated or contain errors, leading to disenfranchisement and potential disputes.

Practical Examples

• Example 1: Simple Scenario – A BLO visits your home during a door-to-door survey (Special Intensive Revision - SIR) and asks for copies of your Aadhaar card, passport, or utility bill to verify your address. Section 31A requires you to provide this information if you are a resident of that area and wish to be registered as a voter.
• Example 2: Borderline Case – You recently moved to a new city but haven’t updated your address on any official documents yet. A BLO asks for proof of address. While you may not have a current utility bill in your name, you can provide a letter from your landlord or a bank statement showing your new address. Section 31A doesn’t necessarily require a specific *type* of document, but it does require you to provide *some* reasonable evidence of your residency.

Related Sections / Rules

Section 31A frequently works in conjunction with other sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Specifically:

• Section 23: Deals with the preparation of electoral rolls.
• Section 25: Concerns the eligibility criteria for voter registration.
• Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 (Rule 24-27): These rules detail the procedures for filing claims for inclusion, objection to names, and the overall process of electoral roll revision.