Representation of the People Act, 1950

In one line: The 1950 Act deals with electoral rolls and seat allocation; the 1951 Act deals with the conduct of elections and disputes.

Key provisions on rolls

• Section 16: grounds for disqualification from registration, such as not being a citizen.
• Section 21: preparation and revision of rolls, including special revision.
• Section 24: appeals against decisions of the Electoral Registration Officer.
• Section 28: the Central Government makes rules after consulting the EC; the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 are made under it.
• Section 31: false declarations, punishable with up to one year, fine or both.
• Section 32: breach of official duty in roll preparation, three months to two years and fine.

Why it is in the news

The petition seeks prosecution of the CEC under Section 32, and an opinion piece warns that misuse of Form 6 could expose voters to Section 31. Courts have held that the right to vote is a statutory right flowing from such laws.

Where to go next

• Article 324 and the Election Commission
• Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls