On Thursday, the Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh submitted a formal plea to Deputy Commissioner Swaroop T K and the District Election Officer, demanding swift action against the alleged abuse of Form‑7 applications during the State‑wide Special Incremental Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The appeal, presented in Udupi, highlights growing public anxiety that Form‑7 filings are being weaponised to delete eligible voters from the rolls. Community members fear that minority groups, particularly Christians and Muslims, are being targeted through spurious petitions.
In the petition, the Sabha stresses that any removal of a qualified name must not rest on false information, fabricated accusations or any form of injustice, as such deletions strike at the core of democratic rights. It calls for absolute transparency, impartiality and strict adherence to legal procedures throughout the SIR process.
Specific requests include the public disclosure of the total number of Form‑7 applications received in Udupi to date, along with a breakdown of those accepted and rejected. The Sabha also asks that every voter whose name is proposed for deletion receive a mandatory notice, granting them an opportunity to object and present their case before any final decision is taken.
Additional safeguards are sought to protect vulnerable sections – scheduled castes, Dalits and other disadvantaged groups – ensuring their voting rights are not compromised on dubious grounds. The statement warns that undermining any community's franchise would erode public confidence in the electoral system.
Representatives present at the meeting included Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh President Melvin Aaranha Shirva, Secretary Juliette Disoja, Treasurer Urbane Louis, appointed President Louis Disoja, Udupi Zone President Kiran Louis, former Presidents Alfonso DiCosta, Valerian Fernandes, Mary Disoja, community leaders Veronica Karenelio, Roshanie Oliver and others.
The document concludes by urging the authorities to consider a complete suspension of the SIR until the alleged irregularities are fully investigated and resolved.
Image: varthabharati.in
📰 Source: Vartha Bharati Udupi