Theme: Government & Elections

Lost/Forgotten Aadhar

Follow the options below to get a Aadhar Card:

  • In case the mobile number is registered with UIDAI, you can retrieve your lost/forgotten Aadhaar Number (UID) or Enrolment ID (EID) here.
  • Select EID/UID for retrieval and enter the name and mobile number (as registered during Aadhaar enrolment).
  • The EID/Aadhaar number delivered on the registered email/ mobile number.

In case the mobile number is not registered in Aadhaar, visit the nearest Permanent Aadhaar Enrolment centre to update details. If a reprint of the Aadhaar is required,  order Aadhaar Reprint by paying Rs. 50.

For any additional help and support, see our explainer on Complaints/Help and Support for updating identitity documents”.

Voter ID for LGBTQ+ Persons

A Voter ID Card, also known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is a photo identity card that is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to all individuals who are eligible to vote.1 This card is commonly known by other names such as an election card, voter’s card, Voter ID, etc. 

 

New Voter ID 

You can register for a new Voter ID Card for free, either in person or online by filling out Form 6, which is the application form to register as a voter in India. If you meet all the requirements, your name will be added to an ‘electoral roll’ which is a list of names of voters in a particular constituency. To understand how to get a new Voter ID card, read here. 

  • Name: If you have changed your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the application form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette in case the election authorities require it. 
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Voter ID card, you have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “transgender”. This option is available to you in all offices of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers  across India and in the application form.

 

Updating / Changing Voter ID Details

You can update the demographic information of your Voter ID Card and by doing so you will receive a newly issued card which will have updated information. Read here to understand in detail how to update Voter ID Card details.  

  • Changing Your Name: If you want to update your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the application form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State gazette and a copy of other identification proofs which recognize your new name.
  • Changing Gender Details: If you want to update your gender, then you can mark from the 3 options given which is “male”, “female” and “transgender” (third gender). This option is available to you in all offices of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers and in the application form. 


The election officials may ask you for proof of gender identity or proof of change of name, but they cannot subject you to any form of harassment or gender verification on the spot. If you face any harassment or discrimination, you should complain to the election authorities. If these authorities do not respond, you can take help from lawyers, NGOs, etc. to make the process easier and take action by filing a complaint with the police.

  1. Section 61(b), Representation of Peoples Act, 1951; Rule 28(2), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. [↩]

How do you find a Polling Station?

Follow the steps given below to find your polling station to vote.((Section 25, The Representation of People Act, 1951.))

Polling Booth/Station

If you are a registered voter with a Voter ID Card, then you have to visit a polling station on the voting day in your constituency.

A polling booth or station is fixed at a building or a hall where the voters of the concerned polling area cast their votes. Usually polling stations are set up in permanent places like schools, government buildings etc., but they can also be set up in private buildings or buildings outside the polling area if space is not available.

Finding Your Polling Station

You can find out where your polling station is, by visiting the National Voters Services Portal.

The polling station will usually be only 2 kilometers away from your place of residence. Only in hilly areas or forest areas, it may be set up further away.

Social Media Advertisements

The MCC applies to all social media platforms. There are five categories of social media that are regulated under the MCC1:

  • Collaborative projects (like Wikipedia).
  • Blogs and microblogs (like Twitter).
  • Content communities (like YouTube).
  • Social networking sites (like Facebook).
  • Virtual Game worlds like (Gaming applications).

There are some rules that have to be followed by political parties and candidates while advertising through social media, such as:

Giving Information

Candidates are supposed to fill Form 26 at the time of filing nominations. The form includes details of the candidate such as email ID, social media accounts etc. This is done so that the candidate declares all the authentic social media accounts that he/she has.2

Pre-certification of advertisements

All social media advertisements have to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee3 set up in district and state levels. It is only after this committee looks into the advertisement that the advertisement can be published online on any social media forum.

Expenditure

All candidates and political parties have to include the expenditure on social media advertisements. Specifically, they need to make a note of expenditure regarding creative development of content, operational expenditure on salaries and wages, and campaign related expenses.

  1. Instructions of the Commission with respect to use of Social Media in Election Campaigning, Letter of ECI dated 25th October, 2013, Page 88, https://observerseci.eci.nic.in/Instruction/MediaPaid%20News%20Compendium%202017.pdf [↩]
  2. Form 26 Amendments, Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9365-amendments-in-form-26-format-of-affidavit-to-be-filed-by-candidates/ [↩]
  3. Reconstitution of Media Certification & Monitoring Committee , Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9356-reconstitution-of-media-certification-monitoring-committee-%E2%80%93-regarding/ [↩]

Do’s and Don’ts of the Army While Providing Aid

The Supreme Court has listed guidelines for the armed forces while providing aid to the civil authority.

What should the army do?

  • Maintain communication with the civil authorities if possible by telephone or radio.
  • Get the permission or an official order from the Magistrate to provide aid.
  • Minimize the force and injury to any person or property.
  • These guidelines must be followed when open firing is required:
    • Give a warning in a local language that firing will take place.
    • Attract attention before firing by a bugle or other means.
    • The armed forces should be distributed in fire units with specified Commanders.
    • Control fire by issuing personal orders.
    • Note the number of rounds fired.
    • Aim at the front of the crowd rioting or inciting to riot, not at the crowd behind. Aim low and shoot for effect.
    • Light Machine Gun and Medium Gun should be kept in reserve.
    • Once the object has been achieved, cease fire immediately.
  • Immediate steps should be taken to secure any wounds or injuries
  • Maintain cordial relations with civilian authorities and paramilitary forces by ensuring high standard of discipline.

What shouldn’t the army do?

The guidelines for the armed forces also include what they should not do or refrain from doing. These are:

  • Excessive force, or hand to hand struggle with the mob should not be done.
  • No one should be ill-treated, in particular, women and children.
  • There should be no harassment of civilians or torture by the armed forces.
  • No communal bias should be present while dealing with the civilians.
  • Armed forces should not meddle in civilian administration affairs.
  • There should be no surrender or loss of weapons.
  • Presents, donations and rewards should not be accepted.

Who are the authorities under the UAPA law?

Given below are the authorities under UAPA law-

Tribunal

The Central Government (when necessary) constitutes a tribunal known as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, consisting of one person appointed by the government. The Tribunal has the power to decide whether there is enough reason for declaring an association unlawful.

 

Review Committee

The Central Government constitutes Review Committees, each of which is headed by a Chairperson who is/has been a High Court judge, and two other members.  A Review Committee has the power to denotify a person or organisation from being declared as terrorist.

Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is an official document, issued in the form of a card, by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of each State, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways,  which permits you to drive one or more types of vehicles, such as a motorcycle, car, etc. on a public road, and it also serves as a proof of identification.

 

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training1 is located.

Please note that you can hold only one DL at a time.2 Your DL will be valid throughout India, i.e you can use your DL to drive in any state in India.3 See here for information on the time periods of validity.

Electronic Driving License 

Now, you can also carry an electronic copy of your Driving License in the DigiLocker or mParivahan app.4 The electronic form of Driving License is just as valid as a physical copy. If you drive a motor vehicle without possessing a DL, you can be punished with jail time of up to 3 months and/or a fine of Rs. 5,000.5

You can get a DL only if:

  • You are an adult,6 i.e. above 18 years of age.
  • You hold a valid Learner’s License,7 which is a temporary license which is valid for 6 months from the date it is issued to you.
  • You are not disqualified from holding a Driving License.1  

You can obtain a new DL, update your DL, renew your DL and get a duplicate DL. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

  1. Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩] [↩]
  2. Section 6(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  3. Section 13, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  4. Rule 139, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  5. Section 181, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  6. Section 4(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  7. Rule 14(1)(a), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]

Ration Card for LGBTQ+ Persons

Ration cards are helpful when you want to get essential goods such as rice, grains, etc. at a lower subsidised price from shops set up by the government. Ration Cards have been introduced as part of the Government’s Public Distribution System and is an important identity proof. They are issued to people depending on their economic status, so some people may be issued a ration card which is APL (Above the Poverty Line) or it may be BPL (Below the Poverty Line). 

Since Ration cards are issued by State Governments, the procedures to obtain them are also dependent on the State rules. Under the law, ration cards are issued to the eldest woman in the household who is above 18 years and this woman would be considered to be the ‘head of the household’. If there is no woman, then the eldest male gets the Ration Card. Now as per the law, even transgender women can be the heads of the households.1 

Given below are some of the important rights you have while applying or updating a Ration Card.

 

New Ration Card

You should fill out the application form, which you can obtain from any Circle Office, or download it from your state government’s website. You can access the portals to the relevant website for all the states here. To understand how to get a new Ration Card, read here. 

  • Name: If you have changed your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the application form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette and a copy of other ID proofs which recognize your new name in case the circle office authorities require it. 
  • Gender Details: While obtaining a new Ration card, you may have 3 options for gender which is “male”, “female” and “third gender”. Since Ration Cards are regulated state wise, sometimes there may not be an option to choose transgender and in such situations, you should:
    • Contact the Ration Card Circle Officers and ask what can be done
    • Carry proof of identity such as an affidavit which would have details such as gender that you identify with, your new name, etc.
    • Take the help of lawyers, NGOs etc.

Updating / Changing Ration Card Details

You can update the demographic information of your Ration Card and by doing so you will receive a newly issued card which will have updated information. Read here to understand in detail how to update Ration Card details.  

  • Changing Your Name: If you want to update your name to reflect the gender you identify with, you can fill your new name in the application form. You should carry a copy of your changed name in the Central/State Gazette and a copy of other identification proofs which recognize your new name.
  • Changing Gender Details: If you want to update your gender, then you can mark from the 3 options given which is “male”, “female” and “transgender”.


The Circle Office officials may ask you for proof of gender identity or proof of change of name, but they cannot subject you to any form of harassment or gender verification on the spot. If you face any harassment or discrimination, you should complain to the Ration card authorities. If these authorities do not respond, you can take help from lawyers, NGOs, etc. to make the process easier and take action by filing a complaint with the police.

  1. Ashwin Kumar Misra v Bharat Sarkar, 2015(4) RCR (Civil) 327. [↩]

Can you vote without a Voting Card?

You may vote without a voting card. You can carry any of the following documents to the polling station to cast your vote1:

  • Voter ID Card/EPIC
  • Aadhar Card
  • MNREGA Job Card
  • Passbook issued by Bank/Post Office with Photo
  • Driving license
  • Service Identity Cards (issued to employees by Central or State Government/PSUs/Public Limited Company)
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Pension Document (with photo)
  • Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
  • Health Insurance Smart Card (issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour)
  • Official Identity Cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
Voter ID Documents

 

  1. Photo voter slips not to be valid as stand-alone identification document for voting, Election Commission available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9367-photo-voter-slips-not-to-be-valid-as-stand-alone-identification-document-for-voting/ [↩]

Advertisement on Television

Television broadcasts on elections must be on general events which are relevant and of common interest to the country, without supporting or criticizing and mocking any other candidate or political party. Then it is not a violation of the MCC. Some examples are1:

  • If there is a live telecast of a cricket match, advertisements showing pictures of politicians cannot be played in between.
  • A political party cannot put up pictures of political leaders while telecasting a live coverage of a conference.
  • A political party cannot screen a movie before the elections regarding the life of a politician as it would influence the viewers to vote for them.

To prevent any form of political advertising, TV Channels and Cable Networks by any registered political party, group, organization, association and individual candidate, have to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) set up in district and state levels. If the MCMC finds that any advertisement has been made in TV or Cable Network in favour of any candidate without proper permission, they shall inform the Returning Officer (RO) immediately. The RO will then send a notice to the candidate and take action.

  1. Chapter 6, Manual on Model Code of Conduct, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9375-manual-on-model-code-of-conduct/ [↩]

Can you get bail for UAPA cases?

Yes, but the UAPA has special bail conditions for a person accused of being involved in a terrorist activity or involved with a terrorist organisation. The accused cannot get bail:

  • Unless the government’s lawyer has heard the bail application.
  • If the court thinks that there is a reasonable possibility that they actually committed the offence that they have been accused of.

If a UAPA offence is committed by a person who is not an Indian citizen, or a person who has entered India illegally, the court will not give bail. Such a person can get bail only in very exceptional circumstances and the court has to record the reasons for granting bail.

The Supreme Court has held that violation of the fundamental right to a speedy trial is a ground for the constitutional court to grant bail in UAPA cases.

If you want to know more about Bail, check out our explainer.

Updating Driving License

Sometimes, you may need to update certain details on your Driving License (DL), after which you will be given a new DL, and your old DL will be taken away. Please note that you do not have to take a driving test to update your DL. To update your Driving License, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 – You can update details like your name, address, etc., so you must understand the procedure for updating any specific detail in your state. The procedures and the documents required vary across states.

Step 2 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, and ask for the relevant application form. For example, in Gujarat,1 if you want to update your DL, you must make an application in Form L.L.D. with the details of the original DL and you must submit an application made on plain paper.

Step 3 – You should submit the relevant documents. For example, in Gujarat, you must submit  a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the original licensing authority.

Step 4 – You should then pay the required fee for updating for DL. For example, in Gujarat, the fee is Rs. 200. This fee varies across states.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here. Read this government resource to know more

  1. Department of Port and Transport, Government of Gujarat, http://rtogujarat.gov.in/process_licence.php#link4 [↩]

What is a Voting Machine?

An Electronic Voting Machine1 consists of two Units – a Control Unit and a Balloting Unit – joined by a five-meter cable. The Control Unit is kept with the Presiding Officer or a Polling Officer and the Balloting Unit is placed inside the voting compartment, where you vote. The Presiding Officer or the Polling Officer releases the ballot for you so that you can cast your vote.

A list of candidates’ names and symbols will be available with a blue button next to it. You have to press the button next to the name of the candidate’s name that you wish to vote for. If you do not wish to vote for any particular candidate, then you have the option to select the NOTA – None of the Above option in the EVM Machine.

Right after you have voted, you will see a green light on the VVPAT Machine will be placed next to the EVM Machine, which will indicate that you have voted. You will also see a printed slip which is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate which you can see through a transparent window for 7 seconds. This printed slip automatically gets cut and falls in the sealed drop box of the VVPAT.

You cannot vote more than once and even if you make a mistake, you cannot undo it. Even if your name comes twice in the electoral roll or your name comes in two different constituencies electoral rolls, you can only vote once. If you vote twice, then both your votes are not counted.

There is nothing you have to do after all this is over. Once you exit the polling station, you have completed the voting process.

  1. Section 61A, The Representation of People Act, 1951; Electronic Voting Machines, Election Commission available at https://eci.gov.in/evm/ [↩]

Advertisement on Radio

Radios are also a medium for advertising by political parties and candidates and the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee(MCMC) in every district and state monitors all radio activity. They monitor the radio jingles of all political parties being transmitted on the FM channels so as to take appropriate steps to ascertain whether they are violating the Model Code of Conduct. The content of the radio jingles should not1:

  • Criticize the private lives of politicians.
  • Attack religious communities.
  • Consist of obscene and defamatory material.
  • Incite violence.
  • Affect India’s integrity, unity and sovereignty.

A register is maintained to keep track of the FM channels being heard where the name and number of channels are specifically entered. Two officers are assigned to listen to each FM channel for 30 minute slots. For example, if a political party is playing jingles mocking another candidate, the MCMC will order it to be taken down.

  1. Reconstitution of Media Certification & Monitoring Committee , Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9356-reconstitution-of-media-certification-monitoring-committee-%E2%80%93-regarding/ [↩]

Applying for new Driving License

You can apply for a new Driving License (DL) in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training1 is located

You must apply for a DL after 30 days2 and within 180 days3 (6 months) of the issuance of the Learner’s License. Please note that you need either a learner’s license or a Driving Certificate from a driving school that has been accredited by a body notified by the Central Government .

Procedure for Applying In-Person4

Step 1 – You should go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state

Step 2 – You should fill and submit the application form

Step 3 – You should submit the following.

  • A valid learner’s licence issued by a the RTO, if any (original and a self-attested copy)
  • 3 recent Passport size photographs5
  • Proof of identification (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)6
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)6
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example, for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – You should take the driving test, on the scheduled date, as conducted by the RTO/RTA,7 which will certify your ability to safely drive and handle a motor vehicle.8 However, you don’t have to take a driving test if you already hold a driving license, and the time between the expiry of that license and your application for a new license does not exceed 5 years.9

Step 5 – After passing the test, you should submit your passport sized photographs, or get a photograph clicked, and submit your finger impressions.

Step 6 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 7 – You can then collect your DL. Sometimes, the RTO/RTA may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO/RTA for the details on this step.

Online Procedure10

Step 1 –  You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Driving License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill in the application form.

Step 3 –  You should upload the documents, which are the same as the ones mentioned above, and the fee,  and submit the application.

Step 4 – You should take a print-out of the filled application, along with the reference number, and submit it at the relevant RTO/RTA.

Step 5 –  You should take the driving test on the scheduled date,  as conducted by the RTO/RTA. The details of the test are given above.

Step 6 – After passing the test, you should submit your photographs and finger impressions.

Step 7 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 8 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this Delhi government resource to know more on driving licenses.

  1. Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  2. Rule 15(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  3. Section 14(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  4. IndiaGov Archive, Obtain Driving License, https://archive.india.gov.in/howdo/howdoi.php?service=6 [↩]
  5. Rule 14(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  6. Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩] [↩]
  7. Rule 15(2), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  8. Section 9(3), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  9. Section 9(3) (a)(i), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  10. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov10/newDLDet.do [↩]

How do you remove a voter from Electoral List?

It is possible to remove a voter from the electoral list. The Electoral Registration Officer issues a notice with the draft of the names of the voters, so that you can object to any of the names. This list is also sent to all the political parties and will be displayed on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer, notice board of Electoral Registration Officer and polling stations.

Filing an Objection

If you want to inform the Electoral Registration Officer or the Booth Level Officer that a voter you know is not eligible to be on the electoral list of that constituency for any reason, such as change of address or death of voter etc, you will have to file an objection by filling Form 7. By filling this form, you are: Preventing any person’s name from being included in the electoral roll or Requesting to delete someone’s name from the electoral roll. For example, if someone you know has died or has registered twice as a voter in two different places, then you can fill in these details in Form 7.1 You can get a hardcopy of the form 7 by visiting the Electoral Registration Officer of your constituency or download it or you fill it online.

Time Limit

You will have 30 days from the date of publication of the notice to file your objection by filling Form 7. The objection can be made by you alone or on behalf of your family members. Multiple objections on behalf of other people cannot be filed by you.2

Submitting the Form

When you submit the form to the Electoral Registration Officer either in person, by post or online, the officer will give you an acknowledgement for it only if: The Form is signed or there is a thumb impression The Form includes the name of the person filing the objection None of the information required in the Form is should be left blank and things like “not known” are not should not be written in the form. Decision of the Electoral Registration Officer The Electoral Registration Officer will look at the applications and if he thinks that the objection made by you is valid, then he will allow it. But if he requires more information, then he will hold an enquiry before making a decision. He may ask you to appear in person or give any evidence to prove the details of the objection made by you.

  1. Form 7, Election Commission of India, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/4830-form-7-application-for-objecting-inclusion-of-name-in-electoral-roll-or-seeking-deletion-of-name-from-electoral-roll/. [↩]
  2. Rule 12, Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. [↩]

Print Media and MCC

Newspapers

All print media including newspapers have to follow the rules under the MCC. The Press has a duty to1:

Be Objective Give only objective reports about elections and the candidates. Not any exaggerated reports. For example: The press cannot publish any fake news about a candidate’s election campaign.

Not Spread Hatred Refrain from reporting on election campaigning which tends to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between people, on the grounds of religion, race, caste, community or language. For example: When a leader belonging to one party says that we will teach the Muslims a lesson if we come to power.

Not Spread False Information Refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate.

Verify Facts Refrain from publishing any unverified allegations against any candidate or political party.

Not Take Money for Stories

  • Refrain from accepting any kind of money or gifts to write about a candidate or political party.
  • Not publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding the achievements of the ruling party.

For example, if certain advertisements of offending nature are published in a newspaper regarding a political party, then it is violative of the MCC and the printer and publisher may be punished for it.

Posters and Pamphlets

The MCC only applies to those printed pamphlets, hand-bill or other documents distributed to promote or demote any candidate or political party.2

For example, if a political party publishes a poster with a morphed picture of a candidate, then it is violative of the MCC and the printer and publisher may be punished for it.

Announcement of Dates

It does not include any hand-bill, placard or poster announcing the date, time, place and other particulars of an election meeting or routine instructions to election agents or workers.

For example, if a political party publishes a poster with a morphed picture of a candidate, then it is violative of the MCC and the printer and publisher may be punished for it.

Publishing the name of the printer and publisher

Any advertisements made in newspapers, posters and pamphlets have to bear the name of the printer and the publisher. If any content in the advertisement violates the MCC, then the printer or publisher responsible may face jail time for six months and/or be punished with a fine up to Rs. 2,000.3

All the printers of newspapers, posters and pamphlets and other print media have to do the following before printing:

  • Obtain a copy of a declaration as to the identity of the publisher with the publisher’s signature and two witnesses attesting the declaration.
  • One copy of the declaration and the document have to be printed and sent to the Chief Electoral Officer of the State (if it is printed in any capital of a State) or to the District Magistrate of the district where it is printed.

Electronic Versions of Newspapers, Posters and Pamphlets

If the newspaper, posters or pamphlets are in electronic form then the law requires the publisher to pre-certify the advertisement by sending it to a Media Certification and Monitoring Committee set up in district and state levels, who will certify that the document is not violating any laws or the MCC.

  1. Press Council of India Guidelines for Election Reporting, https://mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/19163_Guidelines_on_Election_Reporting_1996_22-03-2009.pdf [↩]
  2. Chapter 15, Manual for Model Code of Conduct, Election Commission, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9375-manual-on-model-code-of-conduct [↩]
  3. Section 127A, Representation of Peoples Act, 1951. [↩]

Renewal of Driving License

A Driving License (DL) is valid for a limited time period, based on which you have to renew it. Given below are the time limits for validity of a Driving License (DL), with respect to its issue or renewal:

  • If you have not turned 30 years old, it will be effective till you turn 40 years old
  • If you are between the ages of 30 and 50, it will be effective for 10 more years
  • If you are between the ages of 50 and 55 , it will be effective for until you turn 60 years old
  • If you are 55 years old or above, it will be effective for 5 more years

However, this varies across states. For example, in Delhi, a DL is valid for 20 years, or until you attain 50 years of age, whichever is earlier.1

You must renew your DL 1 month2 before this period has passed, if you wish to keep driving. You may do so in any state, through any appropriate authority.3 In some states like Delhi, you must do so within 1 year of the expiry of your DL, otherwise you will have to take a driving test.4 If the application is late for more than five years after the date of expiry of the licence, the applicant should undergo all the formalities to obtain a fresh licence.2

You can apply for a DL in any state where:

  • You either live or ordinarily conduct business, or
  • Where your driving school from where you have taken your training5 is located

Follow the steps given below to renew your DL:

Step 1 – You should visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state and fill in and submit the application form

Step 2 – You should submit the following:6

  • 3 recent Passport size photographs.
  • Driving License (original and a self-attested copy)
  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)7
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)7
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.  Alternatively, you must submit a medical certificate, which you can download here, if you are over 40 years of age.8
  • The prescribed fee. This varies across states.
  • Any additional documents that might be required, according to the state you live in.

Step 3 – You can then collect your renewed DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

  1. Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Frequently Asked Questions, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/frequently-asked-questions [↩]
  2. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Parivahan Sewa, Renewal, https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/en/content/renewal [↩] [↩]
  3. Section 15, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  4. Section 15(4), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  5. Section 9(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]
  6. Rule 18(1), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  7. Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩] [↩]
  8. Section 15(1), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]

How can an NRI vote?

If you are an NRI you still have a right to vote in India. You are eligible to vote in the constituency area of the address given in your passport.1

You can fill out the application Form 6A online. You can even fill this form in person by either obtaining a copy from the Electoral Registration Office or downloading it from the Election Commission Website. This Form will be free of cost.

You will have to fill the form with the following documents:

  • One recent passport size coloured photograph.
  • Self Attested copies of the relevant pages of the passport containing photograph and address in India.
  • Copy of the page of the passport containing the valid visa endorsement.

Submitting the Form

When you submit the form in person, you will have to take your passport and original documents with you to the Electoral Registration Officer so that he can verify details. If you are sending the Form by post, then make sure that all the documents are self-attested and attached with the Form.

Verification

A Booth Level Officer will visit the home address mentioned in your passport to verify all the details given and if there is no relative available to verify your place of residence and other details, then the officer will send the documents to the Indian Mission.

  1. Overseas Electors, Election Commission of India, available at https://eci.gov.in/. [↩]

Billboards and Hoardings during Campaigning

The content of posters, billboards and hoardings can display general information like family planning, social welfare schemes, etc. but they cannot display the achievements of political parties, photos of politicians and party symbols during campaigning.1

No political party or candidate can use your land, building or compound wall without your permission to erect billboards, hoardings, flag-staff, notices etc, otherwise it would amount to defacement of your property.

If this happens to you, please complain to your nearest District Electoral Office.

For example, if the ruling party puts up a hoarding on the highway with pictures of the members of their political party, then this violates the Model Code of Conduct.

  1. Chapter 6, Manual on Model Code of Conduct, available at https://eci.gov.in/files/file/9375-manual-on-model-code-of-conduct/ [↩]

New Learner’s License

You need to get a Learner’s License before you can apply for a Driving License. Given below is the online and in-person procedure for obtaining a Learner’s License:

Procedure for Applying In-Person

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should go to the RTO/RTA Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state.

Step 2 – You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the required documents.

  • Proof of age (original and a self-attested copy)1
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)1
  • 3 recent Passport-sized photographs2
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.

Step 4 – Thereafter, you should take and pass a preliminary learner’s test,3 which will test how well acquainted you are with traffic procedures, familiarity with the vehicle, etc.4 For example, in Delhi, this is the syllabus of the test.

Step 5 – You must undergo a medical examination, where colour-blindness and movement of limbs will be examined.

Step 6 – If you pass your tests, you can collect your Learner’s License once it is ready. Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

Step 7 – You can also check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Online Procedure

Follow the steps given below to get a new Learner’s License:

Step 1 – You should visit the website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and click on “Apply Online”, and subsequently on “New Learner’s License”. This will redirect you to a page that will instruct you on how to fill out the application online.

Step 2 – You should fill out the application form.

Step 3 –You should upload the relevant documents, given above.

Step 4 – You should submit the application.

Step 5 – You should take a print-out of the application along with the reference number and submit it at the relevant RTO.5

Step 6 – You should take and pass the learner’s test. The details are given above in Step 4 of the offline procedure.

Step 7 – You should undergo a medical examination. The details are given above in Step 5 of the offline procedure.

Step 8 – You can check your application status here, with your application number and date of birth.

Step 9 –  You can collect your Learner’s License.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

  1. Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩] [↩]
  2. Rule 10, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  3. Rule 11, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  4. Rule 11(2)(d), Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  5. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Sarathi, https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/sarathiservicecov2/sarathiHomePublic.do [↩]

Who is a Service Voter?

You are a service voter  if you are currently a1:

  • Member of Armed Forces – Army, Navy and Air Force.
  • Member of Assam Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Seema Sashastra Bal, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, General Engineering Reserve Force and Border Roads Organisation under Border Roads Development Board.
  • Member of Armed police force of a state, who are serving outside of that state.
  • Person who is employed by the Government of India in a post outside India, like those working for Embassies and High Commissions outside India.
  • Wife of someone in any of the above

Upon leaving or retiring from any of these services, you will no longer be considered a service voter.

  1. Service Voters Portal, Election Commission of India, available at http://servicevoter.nic.in/ [↩]

Political Advertisements

Advertising which is in the nature of political propaganda or pursues a political agenda, is known as political advertising. Political advertising is allowed, but regulated by the MCC. If political parties or candidates misuse advertisements to further their prospects in the elections, they are violating the MCC. The MCC prohibits candidates and political parties from doing the following:

  • Putting up advertisements that contain any abusive language.
  • Putting up advertisements or political arguments which target the personal lives of politicians. Criticizing political parties of their past work is allowed, but parties have to refrain from criticizing the aspects of a candidate’s personal life which is not connected with their political activities.
  • Using public exchequer to issue advertisements regarding a coverage of their political rally or political achievements.

The following are the ways by which political parties give out advertisements1:

  1. Part 1, General Conduct, Model Code of Conduct. [↩]

Duplicate/Lost Driving License

If you have lost or damaged your Driving License (DL), you can apply for a duplicate DL, in which case you will be given a new DL.

Follow the steps given below for a duplicate DL:

Step 1 – You should inform the Regional Transport Office (RTO)/ Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of your state, from where you obtained the original DL, that you have lost/damaged your DL, and apply in writing for the issuance of a duplicate DL.

Step 2-  You should fill in and submit the application form.

Step 3 – You should submit the following:1

  • FIR of the lost DL
  • Declaration of physical fitness, which will be available on your state’s website or your state’s RTO’s office. For example,for Delhi, you can download the form here.
  • Proof of residence (original and a self-attested copy)2
  • The prescribed fee. This fee varies across states.
  • Any additional documents that might be required, according to your state.

Step 4 – You can then collect your DL.  Sometimes, the RTO may deliver it to your address, but you should ask the RTO for the details on this step.

If you are unable to obtain a duplicate license or your state does not allow it, you can apply for a new one, but you will have to demonstrate that you tried to get a duplicate license, and that it wasn’t possible for you to get it.3

If you require any additional help and support, please see here.

Read this government resource to know more

  1. Transport Department (Government of Delhi), Duplicate Driving License, http://transport.delhi.gov.in/content/duplicate-driving-licence [↩]
  2. Rule 4, Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. [↩]
  3. Section 9(7), Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. [↩]

How can a Service Voter register to vote?

You can register your name as a service voter in the electoral roll of your home constituency, i.e. where your permanent residence is. You also have the option to register as a general voter at the place you are posted at, like a military cantonment area, but subject to the following conditions1:

  • You must be residing at the place of posting with your family for a sufficient amount of time, or
  • You are on a tenure posting of 3 years or more in that place of posting.

You can only be registered in one place/constituency at a time. So, while you are filing the application form, you will have to make a declaration confirming that you are not registered in any other constituency electoral roll.

How to Register

If you are a service voter or a wife of a service voter, then you have to follow these steps to register to vote:

Step 1

Fill 2 copies of the relevant application form of the category of service you belong to.

  • Armed Forces (Form 2)
  • Armed Police (Form 2A)
  • Diplomats/Officials working in Embassies and Missions (Form 3)

Step 2

Submit it to the Record Office or Nodal Officer of the place/constituency you are applying from, along with the required documents.

  1. Service Voter Brochure, Ministry of External Affairs available at https://mea.gov.in/Images/pdf/service-voter-brochure.pdf [↩]