If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Alok Verma, a resident of the city of Prayagraj, recently used the official government mobile application to apply for a correction in his Voter ID card. He needed to update his surname and his date of birth. After successfully submitting the application and all the required documents online, he checked the status a few days later. The status showed “Field Verification Report (FVR) Submitted.” However, to his dismay, Mr. Verma realized he had made another error in the correction application itself. He now wants to cancel this pending application before the incorrect details are permanently updated on his card. He is unsure if it is possible to cancel an application at this stage and is seeking guidance on the correct procedure to follow.

Advice in such cases

Navigating administrative procedures can be confusing. When an application status shows “FVR Submitted,” it means the local Booth Level Officer (BLO) has completed their physical verification and submitted their findings to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). At this stage, cancelling the application becomes more complex as it is already in an advanced stage of processing.

• Contact the ERO: The most direct approach is to contact the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your constituency. You should submit a written application explaining the error and requesting the cancellation of your pending request (mentioning the application reference number).
• Visit the Local Election Office: A personal visit to the local election office or citizen service centre can be more effective. You can speak to the officials directly, explain the situation, and submit your written request.
• Wait for Rejection: If the error in your application is significant and contradicts the documents you submitted, the ERO might reject the application after reviewing the Field Verification Report. You can then submit a fresh, correct application.
• Submit a New Application Post-Decision: It is generally not advisable to submit another correction application while one is already pending. Wait for a final decision (acceptance or rejection) on your current application before filing a new one to avoid confusion and potential rejection of both.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

Applicable Sections of Law

The process of voter registration, correction, and deletion is governed by the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. Form 8 is the designated application form for shifting residence, correction of entries in the existing electoral roll, replacement of EPIC, and marking of PwD.

While this is an administrative process, providing false information can attract penal provisions. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), furnishing false information to a public servant can be an offence. It is crucial to ensure all information provided in official applications is true and accurate to avoid any legal complications.

If you are the complainant

If you are the applicant who has made an error and wishes to cancel the application, you are essentially the complainant in your own case. Here is what you should do:

• Gather Documents: Keep a copy of your application acknowledgement, the reference number, and the documents you initially submitted.
• Draft a Letter: Write a clear and concise letter addressed to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your assembly constituency. State your full name, EPIC number, application reference number, and clearly explain the error in the application and your request to cancel it.
• Submit and Follow-up: Submit the letter to the ERO’s office and get a receipt or acknowledgement. Follow up periodically on the status of your cancellation request.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

If you are the victim

In this context, you are the victim of your own mistake. It is important to act promptly to rectify the situation before it leads to a permanent record with incorrect details.

• Stay Calm: Panicking will not help. This is a common administrative issue that can be resolved by following the correct procedure.
• Act Swiftly: The earlier you report the issue to the concerned authorities (the ERO), the higher the chances of it being rectified before the final processing is complete.
• Maintain Records: Keep a file of all correspondence, including a copy of your cancellation request letter and any acknowledgement you receive from the election office.
• Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think.

How the police behave in such cases

The police have no direct role in the administrative process of correcting a Voter ID card. This is handled entirely by the Election Commission of India and its designated officers like the ERO and BLO. Police involvement would only occur if there is a criminal complaint filed alleging a deliberate attempt to commit fraud, forgery, or impersonation by providing false information. For instance, if someone intentionally uses fake documents to create a false identity, the ERO may file a police complaint. In such a scenario, the police would register an FIR and investigate the matter under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

FAQs people normally have

Can I cancel my Voter ID correction application online?
Typically, there is no direct “cancel” button on the portal or app after the application has been submitted and is under process. The cancellation has to be done offline by approaching the ERO.

What happens if my application is approved with the wrong information?
If the incorrect information gets updated, you will have to submit a new Form 8 for correction all over again. This will cause further delays.

Can I file a new application while the old one is still pending?
It is strongly advised not to do this. Submitting multiple applications can lead to confusion and may result in the rejection of both. It is best to get the first one cancelled or wait for its resolution.

What evidence is required?

To support your cancellation request, you should have:

• The application reference number or acknowledgement receipt.
• A copy of your existing Voter ID card.
• A written application clearly stating the reason for cancellation.
• Proof of identity (like Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.).

How long will the investigation take?

This is an administrative process, not a criminal investigation. The time taken to process your cancellation request depends on the workload and efficiency of your local election office. After submitting the request, it may take a few weeks for the ERO to take action. Regular follow-ups are recommended. The entire lifecycle of a correction application, from submission to approval/rejection, typically takes between 30 to 60 days.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India